Catholic Church in Britain is facing its greatest threat since the Reformation... Times Online

Dear all,

A friend just sent me the link to this article. Here are the first few paras. Get in quick though, this is a Murdoch publication and the link will disappear behind Rupert's cash register within 24 hours...

Catholicism 'faces biggest crisis since Reformation'
by Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent, Times OnLine

THE Roman Catholic Church in Britain is facing its greatest threat since the Reformation, according to research.

Over three decades Mass attendance has slumped by 40 per cent, baptisms by 50 per cent, Catholic marriages by 60 per cent and confirmations by 60 per cent.

The 260-page study of the Church indicates that the number of adult converts fell by 55 per cent and first communions by nearly 40 per cent, described as the “greatest pastoral and demographic catastrophe” since the Reformation of the 16th century.

The study covers the period from 1963 to 1991. But more recent figures, from 2004, indicate little improvement.

For the full story see this link:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2254380,00.html

Brian Coyne
Editor

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