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How appropriate are ecumenical prayer services with Protestants, were people we don't believe have apostolic succession or valid orders take an active part on the altar ?

What exactly do you mean by "take an active part on the altar?"

As during a prayer service for an example if a Church of Christ Minister (women)where to give a homily .

If it is just a prayer service, e.g. scripture readings and the Lord's prayer, I see no problem if a non-Catholic minister gives a speech.

However, during a Catholic Mass, only a Catholic bishop, priest or deacon is allowed to give the homily.

... But is it even right for them to be on the Altar?

Yes I know Vatican II promoted Ecuminisim but I think somtimes we just go to far.

David

I think everyone involved in such a service is quite aware, or should be, of what separates one from the other. I would hope we can celebrate and rejoice in what we do have in common.

On second thought maybe I should refrain from participating in the singing of the "National Anthem" at the next public gathering I attend in case the guy next to me holds totally differing political views than myself.

I guess it all comes from my view that only those tonsured or ordained should be allowed to be on the Altar (besides Altar Boys).

Altar Boy,

I understand. As I'm sure you know, the Roman Church is not as strict when it comes to who is allowed into the altar area. I would think, and at least hope, if such a service is to take place in a Catholic church the Eucharist is not reserved during such an event.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean? Do you think our Lord should be removed from the tabernacle during ecumenical services, or what?

Ideally, of course, there would be no need for ecumenical services, as everyone would be a Catholic

However, given that we live in an imperfect world where everyone is not a Catholic, I think that for an ecumenical service we may want to be a little flexible, e.g. by allowing non-Catholics in the sanctuary, as long as we do not compromise fundamental principles, i.e. no "intercommunion" and no laypeople preaching during Mass.

But by being flexible at events like this the lay faithful get the Idea that the sactuary is just another spot and people are free to come and go as they please.

I understand your concern and agree to some extent, but I'm not sure that's quite true. The female Church of Christ minister that you refer to was only there by invitation, wasn't she? I trust people would not just walk on to the sanctuary for no reason, would they?

It was a pastoral aliance prayer service for thanksgiving and it was my parishes turn to host

Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with a prayer service, as long as everyone understands that it is not the same as Holy Mass. We should all be happy that Catholics and non-Catholics alike can meet and pray together as baptized Christians and disciples of the Lord.

What we should not do is allow laypeople (including protestant ministers) to preach during Holy Mass, or invite baptized non-Catholics who don't believe in the Real Presence to share Holy Communion.

I remember the first time being anywhere near the altar made me feel very strange. I can't explain the feeling but I was uncomfortable. I recently learned that Eastern Rite and Orthodox don't allow women near the altar. Maybe it has something to do with my upbringing in the Eastern Rite since I only go near the altar if absolutly needed. Sometimes I need to move the Lord for Adoration of the blessed sacrament. My daughter is an altar server and is being trained too. There are some things that women can't do in the Latin Rite Catholic church such as becoming a priest. I guess if I had to relate a difficult practice with one of yours that you see nothing wrong with it would be married priests. I do not think a priest can properly serve his community and raise a family in a home life at the same time. Just my opinion I know many that agree but that doesn't mean I am right. I think of the Catholic Church as being very strict and I feel the same way about Eastern Rite and Orthodox. It is just different areas of strictness. I see it as perfectly natural for women and children to come to the Lord to get as close as possible with reverence and training of course. Just as you may see it as perfectly natural for a married man to serve God and His people. ( We call them Deacons.) I know a married priest can not become a Bishop. etc etc. Not looking to change the subject just to make a point.
Why do we want to keep people from the Lord? The Lord did say let the children come to me....He didn't say just the boys. The Lord said to Mary "Do not touch me because I have not yet ascended to the Father" He didn't say You are not worthy to touch me he would have said the same thing to a man. I see it perfectly natural for women to care for the Lord today just as they did at the foot of the cross. How many men were at the foot of the cross again? I know the Lord loves us all even with our crazy ideas. How many times did He have to repeat himself to get through to the apostles yet they still didn't get it. Even though you may not agree that women can be near the altar you can at least see a view from the other side. I love the Lord just as much as the next believer. Pray about it and the Lord will guide you to find peace with things that are beyond your control. I hope this helped. It isn't written to change the subject or start an argument. Oh I just noticed you are from the Latin Rite. I think anyone invited needs to have special instructions from the priest as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable within your church. Women could be allowed to speak at the end of Mass or during a prayer service.
Peace