Mass Attenders' Attitudes to the Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Catholic Church in Australia Part 1: Growing Dissatisfaction 1996 - 2016.

This article examines the changing attitudes of Mass attenders in Australia towards the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church from 1996 to 2016. The surveys conducted during this period revealed a decline in Mass attendance and an increase in the number of Mass attenders from non-English speaking backgrounds. The data also showed a decrease in satisfaction with how the Church handled the crisis, particularly during the years of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry and the Royal Commission. The article emphasizes the growing dissatisfaction among Mass attenders, which is primarily directed towards church authorities rather than individual clergy. It highlights the importance of the Catholic Church addressing the damage caused by the crisis and prioritizing the healing of its members. [Extracted from the article]