Why are some Parish records in Latin?

[jane k]

I`ve been following a family line for the Rossers who came from Newland, Glos. 
Prior to about 1740 the parish records are written in Latin.  Was this common practice?

Also, is it likely that a person who is called "Maria" in a Latin record, (when her son was baptised), actually known as Mary?

[dublin1850]

Yes, Maria is Mary.

[Familysearch]

Back then, was Latin the language of the church?

[Andrew Tarr]

Back then, was Latin the language of the church?

It was certainly the language of the Roman Catholic church, and has been until quite recently (may still be in some places as far as I know).  A recent thread here asks for a translation of a marginal annotation of a marriage entry.  As a non-Catholic I wonder why this persisted for so long, unless it was just to continue an aura of mysticism about the priesthood ?  Personally I find Catholic records stilted, especially when they include names with no accepted Latin equivalent, and the recorder tries to invent 'correct' genitive or dative case-endings 

As regards the C of E, I have no idea how long Latin was used - any ideas ?  I suspect it may have ended about 1600, after Elizabeth I died ?

[Familysearch]

King James bible first published 1611

[jane k]

Thanks everyone

[Dundee]

Personally I find Catholic records stilted, especially when they include names with no accepted Latin equivalent, and the recorder tries to invent 'correct' genitive or dative case-endings 

It gives you a good laugh though when they make things up, some are so ridiculous.

Debra 

[youngtug]

Latin was the official language used in documents until 1733.

[jane k]

Latin was the official language used in documents until 1733.

Thanks, that ties in perfectly with the records I am looking at