Church Growth / Decline, Europe
An Overview of Representative Christian Denominations and Church Growth / Decline in Europe
In Europe, the Roman Catholic Cardinal
of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, was even more
blunt than Berton, stating in 2009 that “Christianity in
Europe is coming to an end.
"http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09041410.html. In Germany, In 1978, the year that Pope Benedict’s predecessor John Paul II was elected, regular Mass attendance in Germany was 30 percent. In 1996, it was under 15 percent. (Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/09/world/europe/09pope.html?ex=1315454400&en=6367e21a7f92a41c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=all)
A 2000 study by the Swedish-based World Values Survey shows nearly half — or more — don't regularly attend church in several Western European countries. percentage of people who "never" or "practically never" attend church in fourteen democracies. (Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-08-10-europe-religion-cover_x.htm)
The Percentage of People who "never" or "practically never" Attend Church in Fourteen Democracies (2000) |
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Country |
1981 |
2000 |
France |
59% |
60% |
Britain |
48% |
55% |
Netherlands |
41% |
48% |
Belgium |
35% |
46% |
Sweden |
38% |
46% |
Denmark |
45% |
43% |
Norway |
38% |
42% |
Spain |
26% |
33% |
West Germany |
23% |
30% |
Finland |
15% |
28% |
Canada |
22% |
26% |
Italy |
22% |
17% |
United States |
18% |
16% |
Ireland |
4% |
8% |
Mean |
31% |
36% |
Source: World Values Survey |
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Denominations in Canada
Denominations in the USA