Mass Exodus: Catholic Disaffiliation in Britain and America since Vatican II

The article discusses the decline in Catholicism in the United States and Britain, blaming Vatican II for its runaway reforms. However, the author suggests that wider social, cultural, and moral forces are primarily to blame. The book "Mass Exodus" offers a comparative study of secularization across two contrasting religious cultures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the realm of Catholicism, a concerning trend emerges as only a mere 13% of those raised in the faith continue to attend Mass on a weekly basis, while a staggering 37% claim to have no religion. The question arises: Is this solely the fault of Vatican II, and its sweeping reforms, or are broader social, cultural, and moral forces primarily to blame? In 1962, Pope John XXIII initiated the Second Vatican Council with a prophecy that heralded a new day for the Church, enveloping her in radiant splendor. The Council Fathers, driven by a desire to invigorate the Christian lives of the faithful, directed their attention toward the laity and initiated a series of transformative reforms. Among these, the most significant endeavor was to revamp the Church's liturgy, recognizing its pivotal role as the fountainhead and pinnacle of the Christian journey. Over fifty years have passed, and the statistics paint a stark picture. In America, only 15% of cradle Catholics regularly attend Mass, while a disheartening 35% no longer identify as Catholic in surveys. In Britain, the situation is even more dire, with Catholicism facing significant declines since the 1960s. However, it is worth noting that Catholics exhibit higher church attendance and better retention rates compared to most Protestant churches.

Mass Exodus, the first comprehensive historical and sociological study of Catholic lapsation and disaffiliation, delves into this pressing issue. Authored by Stephen Bullivant, the book offers a comparative analysis of secularization across two famously contrasting religious cultures: Britain and the USA. Through a rich tapestry of theological, historical, and sociological sources, Bullivant provides a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to Catholic decline. He explores the interplay between religious institutions, social change, cultural shifts, and individual beliefs, shedding light on the complex dynamics that have shaped the religious landscape of these nations.

One of the key findings in Mass Exodus is the notion that Vatican II itself is not solely responsible for Catholicism's crisis. While the Council's reforms aimed to modernize the Church and align it more closely with the needs of the contemporary world, they also sparked a backlash among some traditionalist factions. The author argues that the Council's emphasis on the laity, the role of women in the Church, and the adoption of a more inclusive and ecumenical approach to Christianity have played a significant role in driving away some Catholics. However, it is important to recognize that broader social, cultural, and moral forces also contributed to the decline.

The rise of secularism, the increasing influence of non-religious ideologies, and the erosion of traditional values have all played a part in shaping the religious landscape of the West. The decline of religious institutions, the decline in church attendance, and the rise of alternative forms of spirituality have all been influenced by these factors. Additionally, the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, which emerged in the late 20th century, further damaged the Church's reputation and contributed to the loss of trust among many Catholics.

Despite the challenges faced by Catholicism, Mass Exodus offers a glimmer of hope. The book suggests that the Church can address its crisis by embracing a more inclusive and pastoral approach to ministry. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the modern world, while also preserving the core teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith. The author calls for a renewed focus on catechesis, spiritual formation, and community building, which can help strengthen the faith and retain those who have drifted away.

In conclusion, the decline of Catholicism in the West is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While Vatican II and its reforms played a significant role, broader social, cultural, and moral forces also contributed to the situation. Mass Exodus provides valuable insights into the factors driving Catholic decline and offers practical solutions for the Church to address its challenges. By embracing a more inclusive and pastoral approach, the Church can strengthen its faith and retain those who have been drawn away.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 138 x 214 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198866756