I often hear that the Catholic church in America will remain a power for years to come primarily because of Hispanics. The assumption that Hispanic Americans are and will remain Catholic is one that is challenged by recent data from the Public Religion Research Institute.
Current Affiliation
A majority of Hispanics identify as Catholic (53%), one-quarter (25%) identify as Protestant—nearly evenly divided between evangelical Protestant (13%) and mainline Protestant (12%)—and 12% of Hispanics are religiously unaffiliated. Few Hispanics (6%) identify with a non-Christian religion.
Shift from Childhood to Adulthood
While nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Hispanic Americans were Catholic during their childhood, only about 5 in 10 (53%) remain so as adults. This reflects a decline of 16%.
Where Did They Go?
Where have these folks gone? Expressed as percentages, they are now:
- 34% – unaffiliated,
- 31% – evangelical,
- 22 % – mainline, and
- 13% – other.
So What?
Not surprisingly, the number one category Hispanic Americans choose when leaving the church is also the fastest growing religion in America: religious non-affiliation. Significantly, however, about half (53%) of those who leave find a new home in Protestantism.
- Do you think that the percentage of Hispanic Americans raised Catholic who leave Catholicism as adults will continue to increase, will decrease, or will level off over the next decade? Explain the rationale for your response.
- Are you surprised to learn that half of all Hispanic Americans who have left Catholicism are not Protestant. Why or why not. Explain.