The eighth edition of the Rome Scholars and Leaders Network

The question continues to resurface in evangelical circles: “Is the Catholic gospel the same as the biblical gospel?” 

A few decades ago, the typical evangelical response was clear and firm: “No. While it may sound similar, the Catholic message adds elements that distort the gospel and removes truths that are essential to it. What results is a Roman Catholic version—not the biblical gospel.”

Today, however, the tone has shifted. Many evangelicals now offer a more nuanced reply. While they may still hesitate to fully identify the Catholic gospel as biblical, they are often more cautious, perhaps even sympathetic—acknowledging complexity, or expressing uncertainty about certain Catholic teachings, rather than issuing a firm rejection

This ongoing conversation is one reason the Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN) exists. Since 2016, the RSLN—an intensive seminar organized by the Reformanda Initiative—has brought together evangelical leaders and scholars to think deeply about Roman Catholicism from a biblical and Reformational perspective.

Now in its eighth year, the 2025 RSLN took place from June 16–19, drawing 33 participants from 12 countries (Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany/Chile, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal/Brazil, Spain, and the USA). Among them were theology professors, heads of mission agencies, pastors, and others involved in various forms of ministry and gospel work.

The Reformanda Initiative’s goal is to unite, train, and resource evangelical leaders and scholars—helping them develop a sharper theological analysis of Roman Catholicism to promote discernment and strengthen evangelical witness.

The intensive program included sessions on a range of topics, such as:

• The Galatians’ false gospel and Catholicism (Robbie Bellis)


• The axioms of Catholicism: the nature-grace interdependence and the Christ-Church interconnection (Rachel Ciano)


• Is the church of Rome a “true church”? (Matt Johnston)


• The problems of “Sensus fidei” (Reid Karr)


• Dulia and hyperdulia: is there a real difference? (Lauren Montenegro)


• The revival of “classical theism” and its fallout (Brad Green)


• Old and new debates on the Eucharist: listening to Peter Martyr Vermigli (Clay Kannard)


• What does it mean to dedicate one’s life to Mary? (Joshua Daugereau)


• Sharing the gospel with Catholics (Mark Gilbert)


• Catholic accretions becoming secretions in/of the system (Leonardo De Chirico)

One particularly engaging session focused on a shared reflection regarding the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Participants offered various insights to discern the new pope’s likely theological and pastoral direction—and to consider what his leadership might mean for evangelical engagement with Roman Catholicism.

As is customary during the RSLN, participants also took the opportunity to engage directly with a Roman Catholic theologian. This year, Prof. Philip Goyret, a professor of ecclesiology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, spoke on the theme of the church’s apostolicity and apostolic succession. The discussion highlighted a key difference: the Catholic understanding ties apostolicity to a sacramental succession of bishops, whereas the evangelical view anchors it in the apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture, with apostolicity measured by fidelity to biblical doctrine.

This session once again demonstrated that meaningful dialogue with Catholic theology is possible without falling into the traps of vague “ecumenism.” As seen in Paul’s example in Acts 17, it is one thing to listen, engage, and speak truthfully for the sake of the gospel—it is quite another to blur essential differences in order to affirm a unity that does not yet exist in truth.

On the evening of June 18, the RSLN extended its reach beyond the seminar setting with a public meeting for evangelical churches in Rome. The theme was: “Catholic but not Roman: Why the Evangelical Faith Is Catholic While the Roman Faith Is Not.” The event aimed to connect the theological work of the RSLN with the life and witness of local congregations, offering clarity and encouragement on what it means to affirm the historic catholicity of the evangelical faith.

Another highlight of this year’s gathering was the presentation of a major publishing project that began during the previous RSLN. In anticipation of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, eleven Fellows of the Reformanda Initiative contributed to a new volume edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words (Sydney: Matthias Press, 2025). The book explores both the text and the historical context of the Nicene Creed, arguing that saying the same words does not necessarily mean affirming the same biblical truths. While both Catholics and evangelicals recite the Creed, they differ significantly in their understanding of core doctrines—such as the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, salvation, Mary, and the church.

Additional publishing projects are already being explored for future editions of the RSLN.

Once again, the RSLN has proven to be a unique space globally—equipping evangelical scholars and leaders to remain grounded in Scripture, to serve the church, and to engage Roman Catholicism by “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

The next RSLN is scheduled, God willing, for June 15–18, 2026.

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