Whistling Past the Graveyard

A recent NCR column  addresses some common myths often perpetuated on Catholic blogs.

The article first addresses that widespread myth that the troubles are only in the U.S. and we will be saved by the orthodoxy of Africa.  The article notes the following facts:

“According to the Vatican, between 1961 and 2001, the number of priests on the African continent rose from 16,541 to 27,988, an increase of nearly 60 percent. So far so good. But given the increase in the overall Catholic population, the number of priests per 10,000 Catholic Africans fell from five-and-a-half to fewer than two-and-a-half. Hardly an "abundance." In the priest-needy United State, there are about seven priests for every 10,000 Catholics.

In short, there are more priests in the U.S. per capita than in Africa. Africa is in just as bad (or good!) shape as is the U.S.

The article goes on to deflate the myth  that younger Catholics are more orthodox than their parents:  Of the 18-39 year old Catholics, “only 22 percent of this age group agreed that it is "always morally wrong" to "engage in premarital sex," though nearly two-thirds of their elders (63 and older) said so. Only 10 percent of younger Catholics agreed that artificial birth control is always wrong.”

Amy Welborn  suggests that the figures show not that most young Catholics are rushing towards some form of orthodoxy but, instead, “the most energetic "intentional Catholicism" being lived out is being lived out in that group by folks who would be called "orthodox." And they are the ones who I think, in the coming years, will be the leaders…” She also recognizes the impact of immigrant groups who have a different kind of orthodoxy.

I think this is whistling past the graveyard.  The key statistic to watch for is the percentage of Catholics who agree and abide by the church’s teaching on artificial birth control.  It is a small minority—a very small minority( 10% according to this article) and that minority will continue to dwindle. That does not change the point being made that many young and very energetic Catholics totally devoted to the faith are coming down the pike. I believe they truly are.  Now, several commenters note that there’s no identification of the term “18 –39 year old Catholics.”  That’s true, but the Church could conduct its own poll if it was really curious.  Also, what do we make of the bursting at the seams Mass attendance on Sundays and the vast numbers receiving Holy Communion?  I don’t write these people off as religiously indifferent or ignorant as most bloggers apparently do. I just believe that the vast majority of tomorrow’s Catholics will and already do reject the church teaching on birth control—while remaining totally devoted to the faith. If they are allowed into leadership positions they will spread the faith dramatically. If they are not—they will still spread the faith.

I don’t think that’s a bad thing for the Church.  There just isn’t any groundswell of orthodoxy (as we define it) developing among Catholic young people.  I also don’t put much stock in a claim that those who would be orthodox will be the leaders for the simple reason that those perceived “unorthodox” aren’t allowed speaking or leadership positions in the Church at all. It also igores the role catholcis in movements such as Pax Christi, Catholic Worker and call to Action will play. As a result, the Church’s teachings on sex are dramatically at variance with its practice. I’ve already posted that celibacy is observed mostly in the breach, and I certainly think that’s just as true for the Church’s teaching on birth control. We are deluding ourselves if we think otherwise. However, I don’t think that means the Church is going to hell in a handbasket.  I just don’t think we’ve addressed all of the issues honestly.

Comments

[Steve Bogner]

Thanks for your analysis on this, I appreciate it. Honestly addressing the issues is critical, but will be tough to do because it makes people uncomfortable and upsets the status quo. I think that's why VOTF is so vilified - people just don't want to take a clear, open look at the abuse and injustice in the church today.

[Rick]

I remember reading an article in Commonweal not to far back about Voices of the Ordained (VOTO), a reform movement of (mostly older) priests. One priest argued that "orthodoxy" among young priests is rewarded with choice parish assignments. Anecdotally, I have seen one or two bursting-at-the-walls wealthy suburban parishes pastored by young conservatives.

Another reason for an *apparent* rise in orthodoxy -- it pays well.

[Unapologetic Catholic]

There is some slight evidence that is so in our own diocese. Some priests who were outspoken in the sex abuse crisis rwere denied appointments as pastors as had been promised. The instead were invited to take a one year sabaticals and then assigments as parochal vicars in less desirable parishes.

But i'm not sure what a "desirable" parish is for a priest. My own former parish, wealthy and by the beach in Sunny Southern Calif, was deemed more undesirable that the others operated by the Franciscans on Indian Reservations and in inner city Oakland because those had more opportunities to save souls than ours apparently did. Most priests after assigment to our parish realized we needed as much spritual help as any other parish, if not more. We certainly had fewer excuses for our sins.

[Funky Dung]

I just recently discovered this blog, so I'm not clear on your stances yet. Do you agree with the Church's sexual teachings? If not, why not?