Research note: Evidence of and speculations on Catholic de facto congregationalism

Scholars have speculated that the influential de facto congregationalism hypothesis applies to Catholics as well as to Protestants and recent immigrants. Considering that parish choice is central to that hypothesis, we present data from 49,604 Catholic families in the Detroit Archdiocese regarding p...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Maines, David R. (Author) ; Mccallion, Michael J. 1955- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer 2004
In: Review of religious research
Year: 2004, Volume: 46, Issue: 1, Pages: 92-101
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Catholic church, Erzdiözese Detroit, Mich. / Catholic parish / Church life
RelBib Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
KBQ North America
KDB Roman Catholic Church
RB Church office; congregation
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:Scholars have speculated that the influential de facto congregationalism hypothesis applies to Catholics as well as to Protestants and recent immigrants. Considering that parish choice is central to that hypothesis, we present data from 49,604 Catholic families in the Detroit Archdiocese regarding parish membership in relation to residence. While findings indicate that 43% of these families attend parishes outside their home parish boundaries, which are consistent with the hypothesis, we conclude that the scope conditions of the hypothesis should be questioned in the case of Catholics. As a modification of the hypothesis, we propose a mixed-process theory in which de jure factors stemming from Vatican II combine with secular trends in American society in an elective affinity that might better explain Catholic congregationalism.
ISSN:0034-673X
Contains:In: Review of religious research