If I had to identify the primary cause of a weakening (and dying in some places) Church, I'd say it's because Christian "militancy" is now a dirty word. As a true Christian, you must be militant and fight our generation's war against Satan's lies and society's sins (starting with your own).

When old and wornout Christians remain silent, appear to compromise, and don't charge forward without concern for their financial situation, no one can be expected to join the Church.

People always are attracted when Christians appear who are willing to fight and suffer for a cause. Unfortunately, the Cardinal wants to save a pot of church money for a future generation. But why not use it now while he can?

Where does the Cardinal call for active militancy in fighting a confused and diabolical gender ideology? Oh, I see, he's waiting for Francis to write an encyclical to lead the way. Sorry, but the Cardinal might have to wait a long, long time Why doesn't he ask his Christians to prove they are truly Catholic by passing out his letter against a Satanic gender ideology? Why doesn't he preach a good hellfire sermon to show how God will treat the goats at the Last Judgement?

My Dad was a convert and his favorite hymm was "Onward Christian Soldiers," with the lyrics:

Onward, Christian soldiers,

marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

going on before!

Christ, the royal Master,

leads against the foe;

Forward into battle,

see his banner go!

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers,

marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

going on before!

Isn't it interesting that Catholic churches have adopted many Protestant hymns, but not that one?