BishopAccountability.org
	Abuse Scandal May Speed Global Realignment of Catholicism Catholic Culture April 29, 2010 http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=6185 Writing in the New Republic, Philip Jenkins suggests that the fallout of the sex-abuse scandal could accelerate a trend that is already evident in Catholicism: the shift of Catholic influence to the global South. In Europe, Jenkins reasons, "the crisis will likely alienate already lukewarm Catholics and marginalize the minority of devoted believers." But in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where Catholicism is expanding, the scandal has had much less effect. "Indeed, as the crisis quickens the wane of Europe's Catholic influence, it will help solidify the Church's new roots in the south," he concludes Jenkins sees the scandal not as the cause of the decline in Catholic influence in Europe, but as a factor contributing to a trend that is already well established. "Media coverage of the abuse and the Vatican's mangled response will also provide ample ammunition for those who want to keep religion out of the political realm."
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