Ireland: New report sheds light on faith of young adults

A groundbreaking new report, commissioned by the US evangelical Christ in Youth and conducted by the ecumenical US-based Barna Group, sheds light on the faith of young people and young adults in the Republic of Ireland and the nation's transforming religious identity. 'Finding Faith in Ireland' – based on studies of nearly 1,000 teenagers, young adults and youth leaders – examines how young people throughout Ireland are navigating the values of popular culture and societal expectations for success, and emphasises their need for authentic spiritual encounters and relationships.

"To date in Ireland, there has not been a piece of research that is this in-depth into what young people think and feel about their faith," said Jasper Rutherford, European director of Christ In Youth. "The information in this report is a youth worker's dream. It will help to challenge the wider church on the worrying lack of support in youth ministry and highlight the significant role that spiritual mentors play in the faith journey of our young people in Ireland today."

Key findings from the book include:

A majority of Irish youth are Christian…in name only.

One in four young people is currently going through a crisis of faith.

This generation feels increasing conflict between progressive values and Christian morality.

"Making, forming and sending disciples of Christ is the only purpose of the Church," said Dónal McKeown, Bishop of Derry. "This is a very helpful piece of research as it helps us understand more clearly where young people are in their relationship to faith and church. If we want to make new disciples, like Jesus we have to meet people where they are. I hope that these insights will help us all bring Good News to a new generation."

'Finding Faith in Ireland' will be first launched at key events in Dublin this Thursday, 19 October, and in Cork and Limerick on 20 October.

Barna is a US-based ecumenical research organisation. For more information see: https://resources.barna.org/products/finding-faith-in-ireland