This article from The Telegraph discusses a recent recruitment drive by the Catholic Church in Spain. Whereas unemployment is in the 20-percents and rising, and young Spaniards have a significantly even higher rate of unemployment, the Catholic Church is seizing on current economic hardships to recruit young Spaniards into the priesthood. The line "I do not promise you a great salary. I promise you a permanent job" is telling of many Spaniards' desperation. That Catholic priesthood, which requires devout faith, ability to advise followers through their most intense crises, and even celibacy, is being sold as a reliable settlement rather than willful commitment also underscores the Church's desperation in Spain.
Questions
What does the Church's recruitment campaign mean for the Church's future in Spain?
Since Spain was declared a secular state in 1975, mass attendance has declined. Is this a trend that will continue or change with increased economic hardship? Could recruiting a new, young generation of Spanish priests change Spain's religious culture?
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