English bishops reach out to lapsed Catholics

November 14, 2011

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has launched “Crossing the Threshold,” a campaign to reach out to lapsed Catholics.

“We have something we're trying to market, and we’re just reminding people there’s something that can bring you happiness, satisfaction, and friendship,” said Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton.

“Some congregations can be entirely white, middle-class and wealthy, and if you don’t fit in, you might not feel comfortable,” he added. “I don't think clergy are always friendly, and sometimes Catholics appear quite cold. We had a tradition of not speaking out of respect: you said your prayers and minded your business. We have to be careful about that.”

 

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Further information:

• Catholic church plans campaign to re-evangelise inactive members (The Guardian)
• National tour to support ministry and outreach to non churchgoing Catholics to launch in York (CBCEW)