Mass exodus from Catholic Church in Austria
January 13, 2010
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Austrian Catholics left the Church in record numbers in 2009, Deutsche Press agency reports. The dissident group We Are Church claims that the exodus was motivated by “self-defense,” and claims that the departures began when Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunication of the controversial Bishop Richard Williamson. A spokesman for the Vienna archdiocese offers a different explanation, saying that tough economic times make people reluctant to pay the “church tax” that is required for registered believers.
Austria’s population is now 66% Catholic—down from 89% in 1961.
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Posted by: Chorherren -
Jan. 13, 2010 4:34 PM ET USA
Alas, this is hardly surprising since this poor Church has suffered from so many mistakes due to its leadership, rationalistic theology, absent catechesis, deracinated priesthood and a general malaise. It is only surprising that the collapse has not been more severe.
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Posted by: adamah -
Jan. 13, 2010 4:25 PM ET USA
"Church tax" as required for registered believers? I guess they have a different set of Sacraments of Initiation over there.
