Posted on 01/12/2010 10:27:24 AM PST by NYer
Christian Campbell, an Anglican blogger who aspires to full communion with Rome, excerpts an article in French newspaper La Croix which details how rapidly France is de-Christianizing:
The IFOP Institute has just made a survey on Catholicism in France for the daily La Croix. The result is mind-blowing:*Whilst, in 1965, 81% of the French declared themselves as Catholics, they were no more than 64% in 2009.
*More serious: whilst 27% of the French went to Mass once a week or more in 1965, they are no more than 4.5% in 2009.
*At a doctrinal level, generally, it’s a catastrophe: 63% of practicing Catholics think all religions are the same; 75% ask for an “aggiornamento” of the Church on contraception and even 68% for abortion.
*As for communion with the Roman Pontiff, the situation is no better: only 27% of practicing Catholics consider that Benedict XVI “rather well” defends “the values of Catholicism” (personally, I don’t even understand the question, but that doesn’t matter) when 34% think he defends them “rather badly”.
There’s an interesting tidbit at the end of Campbell’s post where someone brings up the point that France’s new Nuncio might represent some hope for the country’s rediscovery of her Catholic roots. So that’s a place to focus our prayers, it seems.
And do also pray for Anglicans like Mr. Campell who are considering entering the Church. Conversion and the perfecting of communion between Christians is always a cause of great hope and joy.
Actually, I thought it was over between the French and Catholicism after the French Revolution...
As Christianity moves out of the European lifestyle, something will move into the gap. Man is a religious animal; everyone needs something to believe in. Without Christianity, Islam will move in and claim more souls.
It's called Islam.
Don’t worry. In 20 years, they’ll be a religious nation again - muslim.
You’d think the native French would want to save their heritage and culture, even if they have lost their faith. Sadly, they insist on aborting and contracepting themselves into oblivion.
Actually the pressure on the French society of Islam may drive people back to Christianity from their secular closet
In the century after the French Revolution, that country saw two great Saints. St. Bernardette and St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars. For those whose faith may have been weakened, they found respite for a while.
I have always loved France. My great, great grandfather was from France. I studied French for 6+ years, took bi-lingual courses in French administration and worked for nearly 20 years for Air France. I have visited France many times. This pains me no end.
Prayers for the growth of Christianity in Europe.
And a warning — is this what is in store for the U. S. A.?
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