Baptized but not practising? They still count as Catholics – Bishop Emeritus Osei-Bonsu explains

Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop Emeritus of Konongo-Mampong, has clarified that individuals baptized into the Catholic Church are still considered Catholic, even if they no longer practise the faith or have joined another religious denomination.

Responding to a question posed by Charlotte Yaa Koranteng from Arlington, USA, Bishop Osei-Bonsu explained that the widely cited figures of 1.2 to 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide are derived from data compiled by the Vatican’s Central Office of Church Statistics. This data includes baptismal records, diocesan reports, and, where possible, national census figures and independent surveys.

“These figures are published in official Church documents such as the Annuario Pontificio and the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae,” he noted.

Charlotte had shared her own experience of being one of six candidates at her First Communion, and now the only one still practising the Catholic faith. She questioned whether those who no longer identify as Catholic are still included in the global count.

Bishop Osei-Bonsu responded: “The reported number represents all individuals who have been baptized into the Catholic Church, regardless of whether they currently practise the faith. According to Catholic theology, baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark that cannot be erased, even if someone stops attending church or joins another religious community.”

He added that unless someone formally renounces their Catholic faith, a rare act, they remain counted among the global Catholic population.

However, he acknowledged that this figure does not distinguish between active and inactive Catholics. “In many parts of the world, particularly in traditionally Catholic countries such as Italy or Brazil, cultural identity as a Catholic persists even as regular Mass attendance and parish involvement decline,” he said. “Conversely, in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, both the number of Catholics and the rate of active participation continue to grow.”

Bishop Osei-Bonsu also pointed to challenges in obtaining accurate data, particularly in countries like China, where the Catholic Church exists both officially and underground. He explained that factors such as government restrictions, inconsistent record-keeping, and diverse expressions of faith complicate statistical accuracy.

“This is why media reports often cite a range, typically between 1.2 and 1.4 billion, to reflect the total number of baptized Catholics rather than only those who regularly practise their faith,” he said.

He concluded by noting that the gap between sacramental membership and active faith commitment is a major pastoral concern. “It highlights the urgent need for renewed evangelization, improved catechesis, and efforts to reconnect with those who have drifted away. The Church’s mission is not merely to count baptized members, but to foster living, transformative relationships with Christ.”

Bishop Osei-Bonsu welcomed further enquiries and made his contact available for anyone seeking clarification.