A changing faith” “

82% of Spaniards declare themselves Catholic, even if only 19% go to mass on Sundays. These are just some of the data that emerge from the latest annual report of the Centre of sociological investigation, published in recent days. The majority of Spanish society (55%) now defines itself as only slightly religious or not religious at all. Meanwhile the Spanish Episcopal Conference is about to present its pastoral Programme for the three-year period 2002-2005. We asked Msgr. Fernando Sebastián , archbishop of Navarre, and author of various theological studies on secularization and the relations between Church and society, to review the current situation in Spain. Do these data reflect the real attitude of Spaniards to the Catholic faith? “I believe so, at least in general. But it’s not like this everywhere. In my diocese and elsewhere in Spain, the regular participation of the faithful in the life of the Church exceeds 30%. Moreover, the situation changes in relation to different age groups. Between the ages of 18 and 30, and between 30 and 50 the figures drop in an inexorable manner. But it is beyond doubt that ever since 1970 we have been experiencing a cultural crisis in Spain that has weakened religious convictions and altered the way in which the faith of many Christians is understood and experienced. It is a fact common to all Western countries and it’s not a phase of crisis but one of purification”. In its pastoral Programme for the next three years the Spanish Church proposes to be a “Church that hopes”. Are there good reasons for regarding the situation with such a viewpoint? “We must consider the situation with realism, humility, responsibility, hope and trust. With realism, because we must begin to accept things as they are. To persist in concealing the truth about our situation would be tantamount to pride, fear, infidelity. With humility, because we were accustomed to a more favourable situation and now we must recognize our weaknesses and errors. With responsibility, because we cannot resign ourselves: we must mobilize Spanish Christians and lead them towards an age of renewal and evangelizing mission. With trust, because we know that the Lord is with us and his Gospel continues to be the power of God for the salvation of those who believe in him”. Can it be said that the Spanish Church and Spanish society are out of tune with each other? “This desire to be in total tune with the world may be dangerous. Of course, the Church must share the sufferings and hopes of the world, but we mustn’t subject ourselves to the interpretation of history outside the Church, nor to the desires and remedies proposed to us by the world. A missionary Church must be a faithful Church, a free and prophetic Church, not a Church subservient to the imperatives or totalitarianism of existing culture. We must have the courage to discuss many false postulates in force in our world and to offer a real alternative, an integral way of life based on the teachings of Jesus”. The Spanish Church has decided to “take the offensive”. What is the main challenge it faces? “The main challenge is to return to our origins, to the authenticity and vitality of the apostolic faith. The other challenges start out from this: being able to evangelize the new generations with a witness that presents the splendour and the beauty of a sincere Christian life, based on personal goodness, on family values, on love for our fellowmen, on justice and on magnanimity as criteria of social, economic and political conduct. That means taking the lead in the great project of reconciliation between countries and the promotion of universal brotherhood, mutual respect, justice and hope”.