Did the Church change the Mass to make it more acceptable to Protestants?
The short answer
No. The reform's primary concern was the active participation of Catholic laity. Vatican II did list fostering Christian unity among its reasons, but not first — and unity is a valid concern, given how much Jesus valued it.
The Council's aims
Vatican II sought to invigorate the Christian life of the faithful, adapt changeable institutions to modern needs, foster union among all who believe in Christ, and help call all humanity into the Church; hence it undertook liturgical reform (Sacrosanctum Concilium 1).
Not the first reason
Christian reunion is among the reasons, but not the first. The primary concern was the active participation of the laity.
Still valid
Even so, Christian unity is a legitimate concern, given the importance Jesus placed on it (John 17).
Continue exploring
- Was Latin used so that the people couldn't understand the Mass?Q&A
- Why were the words "mystery of faith" taken out of the consecration in the new Mass?Q&A
- Can a lay pastoral coordinator give a homily?Q&A
- Can non-Catholics participate in the gestures at Mass?Q&A
- Doesn't the new Mass reject Pius V's mandate in Quo Primum?Q&A
- I don't like the Novus Ordo and can't get to the old Mass every week. Is it a sin not to go?Q&A