Catholicism still dominant in Caribbean, but its influence wanes

Catholic News Service photo

A Christian church made of wood is seen near the border with Haiti outside Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic, in this 2009 file photo. Caribbean nations have seen a growth in evangelical churches and followers over the last decade.

When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the Caribbean in March on a historic trip to Cuba, he will encounter a region in a state of religious flux and economic uncertainty. The Catholic Church's standing is being challenged by a rise in evangelicalism and a lack of indigenous clergy, as evidenced by the Trinidad seminary's closing.

•	Historic parish reaches out to visitors in town for Super Bowl events
•	Komen reverses decision, reinstates grants to Planned Parenthood
•	Winter clothing drive underway

•	Any theologically-minded linguists out there?
•	Fight for freedom from sofa
•	It's about religious freedom

•	Readers of all faiths can benefit from study of anti-Semitism
•	A century of women's voting in Oregon celebrated
•	TV program notes - week of Feb. 5

•	Teach, Bless, Serve
•	Christ brings light to our Ordinary Days
•	Threats to religious liberty building up

•	Musician performs in Roseburg
•	Donor knits every student a hat
•	Rigatoni tradition celebrates 50 years