In 2021, 34,182 people left the Catholic Church, a record number, reported RTS. Leading reasons cited for leaving the Catholic Church in Switzerland included differences of opinion on public issues such as women in the church, homosexuality, remarrying after divorce, abortion and assisted suicide. Investigations and revelations of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church are likely to be another factor. Unsurprisingly, cantons with optional church taxes on individuals had higher rates of church leavers than those with none or unavoidable funding arrangements such as Vaud. At the end of 2021, Switzerland’s Catholic Church had 2,96 million remaining members.

Source: Le News October 29, 2022 19:03 UTC