12/04/2012
Survey Reveals Disconnect Between Catholics And Church Teaching
A new survey has revealed that the majority of Irish Catholics think the Churches teachings on sexuality are irrelevant, and that they would favour married and female priests.
1,000 catholics were surveyed over a two-week period in February revealing that there was a disconnect between official church teaching and what catholics actually believe.
87% said priest should be allowed to marry, 77% said women should be ordained and a substantial majority - 60% - disagreed with the church's stance on homosexuality. When questioned, only 9% ''agreed strongly'' with Catholic teaching that homosexuality is immoral.
When questioned about the serving terms of bishops, 55% of respondents said they believed bishops should serve a fixed term - as opposed to the current arrangement where they remain in the role until the age of 75.
Amárach Consulting carried out the Contemporary Catholic Perspectives survey for the Association of Catholic Priests.
1,000 catholics were surveyed over a two-week period in February revealing that there was a disconnect between official church teaching and what catholics actually believe.
87% said priest should be allowed to marry, 77% said women should be ordained and a substantial majority - 60% - disagreed with the church's stance on homosexuality. When questioned, only 9% ''agreed strongly'' with Catholic teaching that homosexuality is immoral.
When questioned about the serving terms of bishops, 55% of respondents said they believed bishops should serve a fixed term - as opposed to the current arrangement where they remain in the role until the age of 75.
Amárach Consulting carried out the Contemporary Catholic Perspectives survey for the Association of Catholic Priests.
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 May 2012
'Catholic Priests Will Be Dismayed At New Allegations' - McGuinness
Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuiness has stated Catholic priests will be "dismayed" at new allegations regarding Cardinal Sean Brady in a Church investigation into child abuse carried out by Fr. Brendan Smith.
'Catholic Priests Will Be Dismayed At New Allegations' - McGuinness
Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuiness has stated Catholic priests will be "dismayed" at new allegations regarding Cardinal Sean Brady in a Church investigation into child abuse carried out by Fr. Brendan Smith.
13 September 2011
Nuptials For Priests?
A former Bishop has urged the Catholic Church to find a place in the modern church for a married priesthood. Retired Bishop of Derry Edward Daly has claimed that allowing priests to marry would ease the tensions facing the Catholic Church.
Nuptials For Priests?
A former Bishop has urged the Catholic Church to find a place in the modern church for a married priesthood. Retired Bishop of Derry Edward Daly has claimed that allowing priests to marry would ease the tensions facing the Catholic Church.
08 December 2011
Catholic Majority On North's Dole Queue
A new report has highlighted the denomination of those working in the North with the Stormont Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) publishing figures today relating to religion analysis of the NI Labour Force Survey (LFS).
Catholic Majority On North's Dole Queue
A new report has highlighted the denomination of those working in the North with the Stormont Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) publishing figures today relating to religion analysis of the NI Labour Force Survey (LFS).
24 April 2013
Church Watchdog Critical Of Former Bishop's Handling Of Abuse Claims
A former bishop has been criticised after a report was published into claims of child abuse allegations and the behaviour of priests. The National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBCS) in the Catholic Church has published audits of many dioceses. Dr Joseph Duffy said he regretted the management of some cases.
Church Watchdog Critical Of Former Bishop's Handling Of Abuse Claims
A former bishop has been criticised after a report was published into claims of child abuse allegations and the behaviour of priests. The National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBCS) in the Catholic Church has published audits of many dioceses. Dr Joseph Duffy said he regretted the management of some cases.
23 February 2011
Catholic Church Could Fall 'Over The Brink'
The Catholic Church could "fall over the brink" and become irrelevant to society, according to the Archbishop of Dublin. In a dramatic speech to the Cambridge Group for Irish Studies in the Magdalene College in Cambridge, Diarmuid Martin said that Catholicism in Ireland was being reduced to a tiny minority and becoming "irrelevant in society".
Catholic Church Could Fall 'Over The Brink'
The Catholic Church could "fall over the brink" and become irrelevant to society, according to the Archbishop of Dublin. In a dramatic speech to the Cambridge Group for Irish Studies in the Magdalene College in Cambridge, Diarmuid Martin said that Catholicism in Ireland was being reduced to a tiny minority and becoming "irrelevant in society".