The Washington Post has the interpretation of a recent survey of Hispanics in the USA and religion. By the year 2050, they will comprise half of the Catholic population here in the USA.
"Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, said this brand of Christianity, mostly associated with evangelicals, attracts Catholics who don't feel a strong connection with God through the traditional Mass.
"This is introducing a new way to worship, a new way of being the church," Lugo said. "You could call it bringing the fiesta spirit into the Catholic church."
Lugo said Catholic leaders will be challenged to incorporate clapping, shouting and even speaking in tongues into worship, a potential point of conflict in an institution that cherishes tradition. Those issues will be brought into relief next month when Pope Benedict XVI visits Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, where Pentecostals are making inroads.
The embrace of charismatic Christianity has not turned Catholics into Pentecostal Protestants, however. The survey found charismatic Catholics are even more likely to pray the rosary, go to confession or serve in their parishes, suggesting a strengthening of Catholic identity."
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