[Viennacon]

I would be interested in an analysis of how the Catholic Church has lost so much influence in its homelands of Italy, Spain, and Portugal, but the same has not happened in Russia.

How do the operations of these churches change the outcome they produce?

[grania]

The Russian Orthodox Church was surpressed by the Communist government, so practicing the faith became more of a commitment to a belief. Meanwhile, in Europe and the US the Church got "too easy". Even when I was in Catholic college in the '60s folowing the beliefs and values wasn't as important as being involved was.

I've always understood that my mother's generation, brought up Russian Orthodox, were more connected to the spiratual. Some of my cousins, in fact, returned to the Orthodox faith of their parents.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I weep over Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, even (God help us!) Ireland, where the Catholic Church is in shocking decline --- precariously balanced against significant growth in the Asia-Pacific areas and, spectacularly, in sub-Saharan Africa.

Orthodoxy seems to be enjoying a spectacular resurgence in Russia, but as in other historically Orthodox countries, such as Bulgaria, Belarus, Georgia, and Greece, their birthrate is way below replacement and their age structure shows significantly more people over 55 than under 15.

These Orthodox also do very little by way of missions outside of their national borders. The USA may be the exception here.

I would like to understand more about the factors relating to growth and die-off of the faith in nations and churches. I certainly don't have an attitude of rivalry. As a Catholic, I can sincerely say I rejoice in the survival and advance of Orthodox Christianity.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ.