Netherlands: Industry growing; Christianity declining

Written by Admin 2 09 Jun 2015
Netherlands: Industry growing; Christianity declining

370 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt in May this year - 84 down from the previous month and the lowest level since November 2008. They fell noticeably in the trade and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, Operation World reports ‘the Roman Catholic Church is rapidly decreasing - from 41% in 1975 to 26% (other reports claim 18%) in 2010 - and every year has fewer priests and missionaries. Weekly attendance is reportedly as low as 300,000 on any given Sunday, and the aged composition of the faithful points toward further decline. However, there is also clear growth in the charismatic and evangelical groups within Dutch Catholicism, and a proliferation of Alpha Courses.

Additional Info