Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jan 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
A study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (BIGS) has revealed that in recent decades, the number of Catholics in the country has decreased by 20%. The report based on 2000 census data showed that between 1960 and 2001, the number of Catholics dropped, due to the aggressive advance of Evangelical sects, religious indifference and the lack of an effective and firm pastoral outreach.
The Center for Religious Studies and Social Research, which is affiliated with the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, says Catholics make up 75% of the country’s inhabitants, a percentage slightly higher than that of the BIGS.
However, of these only 1% actively participate in the Church’s activities, 25% attend regularly attend Mass, and 50% attend only on special occasions.
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