A new survey on faith in the Covid-19 pandemic has found that 24 per cent of Irish 18-24 year olds are praying more than usual, and 27 per cent of the public have watched or listened to at least one religious service over the course of the lockdown.
The poll was carried out by Amarach Research and commissioned by the Iona Institute, a Christian advocacy and research organisation, to look at religious practice in early April while churches were closed.
It found that despite not being able to go to Mass or attend other religious services, religious practice remains relatively high in Ireland.
The poll was conducted in the first and second weeks of April.
The findings show that some 37 per cent of people say they are praying about the same as usual, while 15 per cent of those aged 18-24 have watched at least one religious service and this rises to 44 per cent among the over 55s.
It also reveals that across all ages, 18 per cent are praying more than they usually would. Some 85 per cent believe family will be valued more after the lockdown ends while 75 per cent think the elderly will be valued more and 31 per cent believe people will be more spiritual.H
However, just 9 per cent of 25-34 year olds say they are praying more than they normally would. Overall, two per cent say they are praying less than usual.
Speaking to The Tablet, the director of the Iona Institute, David Quinn, noted that opinion polls in Ireland have consistently shown that before the pandemic 30 per cent of people attended Mass or church each week.
“The poll asked people if they had tuned into a religious service on TV, online or listened to one on the radio and 27 per cent of the public said they had. That is pretty much on a par with the number that go to Mass each week. I find that really interesting and encouraging.”
He added that for clergy broadcasting in empty churches and wondering if anybody was watching or listening, and whether they had lost their congregations, this would also be very encouraging.
“Nearly a fifth of the population said they were praying more than usual. That is a significant slice of the population, so that is also encouraging. It shows that the roots of faith are maybe a little bit deeper than we thought.”
David Quinn said the survey findings were “a very interesting image of where people are at the moment during the lockdown. They are taking stock. If we do come to value the elderly more as 75 per cent believe, and if we value our families more, as 85 per cent think, that can only be a good thing.”
He suggested that the Church in Britain should consider carrying about a similar poll which would provide interesting insights for posterity of this time of crisis.
Referring to the poll finding on valuing the elderly more after the pandemic, David Quinn criticised the Government’s handling of the virus in nursing homes and residential care institutions in Ireland.
Concerns have been raised over the delay in responding to nursing homes and residential care homes’ needs as the virus spread exposing their vulnerable residents.
Approximately half of the 1,087 deaths recorded so far in the Republic have been in nursing and care homes while a third of all Covid-19 deaths recorded in Northern Ireland up to 17 April occurred in care homes.
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