Catholic Trouble in Spain

The bishops in Spain are trying to hold onto power and influence in a country where only 18 percent of Spaniards currently declare themselves to be Roman Catholics, compared with 98 percent 50 years ago. See article from The Guardian.

The Socialist government, which took power in March, canceled compulsory religion classes and says it will look at ways to use public money to fund education in many faith traditions, including Islam.

The Catholic heirarchy is also very upset that the new government says it will legalize gay marriage next year. See article from gay.com.