Chai Brady
A new poll has revealed that 27% of Irish people say they have watched or listened to at least one religious service during the current period of lockdown.
The same poll found that 18% of people reported that they are praying more than they usually would.
The research – carried out by Amarach on behalf of The Iona Institute – was conducted in the second week of April and also reveals that 85% of people believe that we will value family more after the lockdown ends. Some 75% think we will value the elderly more, while almost one in three (31%) believe we will be more spiritual.
A more detailed look highlights some unexpected findings. For example, 24% of 18-24 year olds saying they are praying more than usual. This is the same for over 55s, but far higher than the age groups in between. Just 9% of 25-34 year olds say they are praying more than they normally would.
Some 37% say they are praying about the same as usual, while 43% say they don’t pray. Two percent say they are praying less than usual.
Encouraging
The poll finds that 15% of those aged 18-24 have watched at least one religious service in the current period. This rises to 44% among the over 55s.
Brendan Conroy of the Iona Institute said: “It is encouraging that so many people are still taking part in religious services in whatever way they can during the current unprecedented situation.
“Weekly church attendance figures in Ireland are about 30% and so the 27% who are tuning into religious service online, or via tv or radio, is about the same as that. In other words, they are doing their best still to take part in communal acts of worship”.
Mr Conroy said: “It is also good to see that almost one in five people are praying more. This is a natural religious reaction in a time of crisis. For example, you are more likely to pray for your loved ones.
“It is also obvious from the survey that people are using this time to take stock. The fact that 85% think we will value family more after, this, 75% say we will value the elderly more, and 31% think society will become more spiritual also indicate this,” he said.