R.c. Survey Causes Some Consternation (Press, 9 April 1980)

A survey conducted by the University of Surrey has revealed that 13 years after the Second Vatican Council, only half of Catholics in England and Wales are aware of it. The survey, which focuses on various perspectives regarding changes in the Church, highlights a significant gap in knowledge, particularly among younger individuals aged 15 to 24, where two-thirds reported being unaware of the council. Additionally, one-quarter of regular Mass attendees and one-tenth of parish organisation members also lacked awareness of the council’s implications. The findings indicate that many Roman Catholics assess changes based on personal experience rather than ideological understanding. Key changes perceived by those surveyed include the Church's stance on birth control, where 16 per cent expressed a desire for reform, but a fifth either did not respond or sought no change. Over two-thirds believed that a married couple who feel they have had an adequate number of children are not wrong in utilising artificial birth control. Additionally, more than a quarter disagreed with the statement that abortion is wrong except when the mother's life is at risk. Views on premarital sex have notably evolved, with more adherents disagreeing with the Church's condemnation. The most surprising result revealed a majority support for allowing euthanasia for individuals suffering from incurable pain, indicating a shift in attitudes. Regarding tax morality, over a third of respondents justified minor tax cheating due to governmental financial mismanagement. While there was broad consensus against political violence, many Catholics believed trade union powers should be regulated by law. The researchers noted differences in responses based on age and the level of faith practice. There remains a general acceptance of divorce among Catholics, though the belief that the Church should disapprove of homosexual acts is still prevalent. Despite strong orthodox beliefs about God and Christ’s divinity, about one in seven do not believe in Heaven, the afterlife, or the Devil. The survey, carried out in spring 1978, also indicated a desire among younger Catholics for the Church to engage more deeply with issues such as housing, poverty, and race relations, albeit with a slight majority opposed to political involvement. Overall, Catholics tended to prefer what was described as a "domesticated Gospel" over "political Christianity." The survey assessed clergy performance positively, although younger and newly married Catholics displayed greater criticism. Regarding the ordination of married priests, opinion was divided, with a two-to-one preference for married over female priests. The issue of using part-time priests and the ordination of former married priests produced equal division in opinion. These findings are set to be discussed at the national pastoral congress of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, scheduled for May 1980.

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