Is Catholicism the New Black?
Young Americans and people around the world are flocking to the Catholic Church.
Over at The Free Press, Madeleine Kearns writes on How Catholicism Got Cool:
Earlier this year, The Pillar reported a surge in the numbers of aspiring Catholics registering to join the church at Easter. The Diocese of Lansing in Michigan reported a 30 percent spike from the previous year, 633 converts, which is the highest they’ve seen in over a decade. Father Ryan Kaup, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Catholic center, baptized 20 students alone—“the highest we’ve ever had”—and gave rites of initiation to an additional 50 who were coming into the church from other Christian denominations. And now, of course, we have an American pope, Leo XIV, who church leaders hope will turbocharge the country’s Catholic boom. America is not alone. The Catholic boom is also happening in France—which saw a 45 percent increase in the number of adult baptisms this year—and in England—where, due to a surge in Mass attendance, Catholics are on track to outnumber Anglicans for the first time since the Church of England was born.
It makes for a very interesting read. It does remind me of a Simpsons Episode or two!
According to a study from the Bible Society, Catholics now outnumber Anglicans among Gen Z churchgoers in the UK. I guess we need to buy 20-somethings a rosary and John Paul II biography for Christmas!
I think Roman Catholicism would be more attractive if the Catholic Church …
Abolished priestly celibacy.
Ordained women at least to the Diaconate.
Had a do-over on the Council of Trent.
Repealed the filioque clause added to the Nicene Creed.
Toned down the Mariology.
Have you noticed a significant uptick in Catholic converts and church attendance in your part of the world?
In Toledo we have an increase in men joining the priesthood and women entering a local monestary. In the chaos of our world episcopal churches have the sanity of deep roots and traditions, amazing liturgy, historical room for different points of view, appreciation of the arts and mystery. I'm a Baptist minister. We've got coffee!
Hi. You wrote "Repealed the filioque clause added to the Nicene Creed." I'd someone has time could you explain that? Why does Dr. Bird include that in the list. Thanks