A new study says the influx of Latino immigrants is altering the religious landscape in the United States. The study by the Pew Hispanic Center says Latinos are practicing a different kind of Christianity. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
The survey of 4,600 Latinos found that more than half of those who say they’re Catholic identify as Charismatic.
Charismatics generally feel a strong personal connection to God. They believe in faith healings and speak in tongues. These things are normally associated with Pentacostals.
Luis Lugo directs the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. He says the Pentacostal Movement is sweeping though Latin America and immigrants are bringing aspects of it here.
Lugo : They’re helping to transform American Christianity. Immigrants reflecting the major changes going on, where they're coming from -- and no change has been more central than the spread of Pentacostalism.
Lugo says most Latino Catholics in the United States do not convert to Pentacostals. But they do bring what he calls the Charismatic fiesta spirit to mass with clapping and shouting.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
