From=20my own work, I have found that the Catholic Church in Lat. Am. was
pretty lax in keeping attendance records, although I cannot speak to the
Mexican case. However, my research has shown prior to the 1970s, church
attendance was remarkably low -- averaging only about 10% (at most) of the
Catholic population, the large majority being women (roughly 75%-90%).=20
This figure is consistent with other countries with a monopolized=20
religion. I can suggest two possible sources, one specific and one=20
vague. The specific source is William Read, Victor Monterroso and Harmon=
=20
Johnson, LATIN AMERICAN CHURCH GROWTH (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans=20
Publishing, 1969). Ironically, this is a Protestant source, but I think=20
it has some stats on Catholic attendance. The other thing you might try=20
looking for is Catholic Action (Acci=F3n Cat=F3lica) publications in Mexico=
. =20
Catholic Action movement took off in the 1930s or '40s in most Lat. Am.=20
countries with the intent of revitalizing the Church in relation to=20
competition from socialist movements, secularizing politicians, and=20
Protestants (yes, they existed back then!). Cath. Act. sometimes=20
published stats on membership and attendance, but nothing systematic that=
=20
I know of. Hope that helps. =20
If you find anything, please let me know.
TG
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony Gill, Ph.D.=09=09=09Dept. of Political Science, DO-30
tgill@u.washington.edu=09=09=09University of Washington
(206) 543-4718=09=09=09=09Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 685-2146 (fax)
Office: Gowen 25 =09=09=09Hours: M 9:30-11:30; W 9-10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Wed, 11 Jan 1995 DrJTO@aol.com wrote:
> Can anyone give me the stats (snail-mail,e-mail,fax,etc.) on church
> attendance in Mexico during the early part of this century. In particula=
r, I
> am looking for info. on the percentage of women, as opposed to men, atten=
ded
> mass,church,temple,etc. on a regular basis. =20
>=20
> I thank you in advance.
> Jeffrey Oxford
> DrJTO@aol.com
>=20
>=20