Replies

>> FWIW I left the Catholic Church in 1948-1949 (I don’t remember exactly when) and was not taken off the rolls until a few years ago. So much for the census. <<

How would you know that? Did you keep getting materials for the Bishop’s annual appeal? (That’s the only way of knowing that I can think of). That’s not just a rhetorical question; I’m interested know how reliable the data are.

>> I’m under no allusions whatsoever concerning what passes for Christianity, both Protestant and Catholic, in South America. Further, I don’t have the horrid opinion of Catholicism you seem to think I do. Disagreement is not disrespect. <<

Well, you sure seemed to be desperately holding onto the hope that the Catholic church is dying out in South America, and came back seeming bitterly defensive when I slammed the kooky churches of the Brazilian underclass.

I would hardly saddle current, Bible-adhering, Spirit-filled Christians with the label, "Protestant."

The writer should know better.

How would you know that? Did you keep getting materials for the Bishop’s annual appeal? (That’s the only way of knowing that I can think of). That’s not just a rhetorical question; I’m interested know how reliable the data are.

No matter where I moved it wasn't long before I began receiving material, including my $ envelopes, from the local parish. I believe a baptized Catholic remains on the census rolls until he dies or until he notifies the parish in writing that he has left the Church. (I am not stating this as fact. I simply feel that's the way it works.)

In my case it took a letter and I have received no material from the local parish for more than 8 years.

Frankly, I suspect the census of Protestants and Catholics is suspect because of the differing, and sometimes lax, methods of counting members.

Well, you sure seemed to be desperately holding onto the hope that the Catholic church is dying out in South America, and came back seeming bitterly defensive when I slammed the kooky churches of the Brazilian underclass.

Methinks you have a very wild imagination. Please show me where you got this idea.