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==Saints in Protestant Tradition==

==Saints in Protestant Tradition==

Because the formal process of canonization described above is a distinctly Catholic rite which requires acceptance of the authority of the Vatican to recognize saints for public veneration, Protestants adhere to a different methodology. Among [[Lutherans]] and some other Protestants, the only saints generally accepted are those who are clearly indicated in scripture, such as the Twelve Apostles. [[Anglicans]] have canonized saints by action of a church convention or, in the case of the [[Church of England]], by Parliament. Other Protestant bodies prefer to apply the word to any true believer. This accords with the [[New Testament]]'s usage.<ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html What Are Christian Saints According to the Bible?]</ref> Peter referred to all believers as priests and ministers of Christ, and, in addition, as "a holy nation". <ref>See for example, [[First Epistle of Peter]], 2:9</ref>

Because the formal process of canonization described above is a distinctly Catholic rite which requires acceptance of the authority of the Vatican to recognize saints for public veneration, and because many Protestants reject Catholic teaching on sainthood as un-Scriptural, Protestants adhere to a different methodology. Among [[Lutherans]] and some other Protestants, the only saints generally accepted are those who are clearly indicated in scripture, such as the Twelve Apostles. [[Anglicans]] have canonized saints by action of a church convention or, in the case of the [[Church of England]], by Parliament. Other Protestant bodies prefer to apply the word to any true believer. This accords with the [[New Testament]]'s usage.<ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html What Are Christian Saints According to the Bible?]</ref> Peter referred to all believers as priests and ministers of Christ, and, in addition, as "a holy nation". <ref>See for example, [[First Epistle of Peter]], 2:9</ref>

Lutherans and [[Methodists]] hold that deceased believers may pray for the living and commend them for their faith and acts and as good examples to follow. Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and most other Protestant churches prohibit praying to saints, however.  

Lutherans and [[Methodists]] hold that deceased believers may pray for the living and commend them for their faith and acts and as good examples to follow. Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and most other Protestant churches prohibit praying to saints, however.

==References==

==References==