Drop in Irish religiosity shows need for formation in faith: Archbishop Martin

August 09, 2012

Commenting on a poll that found a sharp drop in religious faith in Ireland, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said that the results underline the need to educate all Catholics in the faith—adults as well as children.

An international Gallup survey found that only 47% of Irish respondents identified themselves as religious. Ireland, once regarded as a stronghold of Catholicism, was among the countries were the Gallup survey found the highest percentage of “convinced atheists.” Archbishop Martin observed: “The Catholic Church, on its part, cannot simply presume that the faith will automatically be passed from one generation to the next or be lived to the full by its own members. This survey is just one further reminder of the need for strong on-going education in the faith.”

 

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Further information:

• ABP Martin: Religion and atheism in Ireland (Vatican Radio)
• Archbishop's comments on poll findings (Dublin diocese)
• ‘Global religiosity index’ released: Ghana most religious, China most atheistic (CWN, 8/8)