Menu
23/11/2005
Report shows increase in those with 'no religion'
A new report has revealed a significant increase in the number of people who now see themselves as having no religion.
In the report entitled 'Driven to disaffection: Religious independents in Northern Ireland', by the University of Ulster and Queen's University, it is claimed that current trends will see those with no religion forming the second or third largest group in Northern Ireland by 2011.
In the most recent Northern Ireland Life and Times survey, conducted in 2004, 11.5% described themselves as 'religious independents'.
However, the new report said that those with no religion are more likely to come from Protestant than Catholic families. But, there has also been a significant decline in church attendance among Catholics.
The report suggested that disaffection with politics was causing the growth of this secular group.
"The results indicate strong support for the view that disaffection from politics has been a motivation to reject religion," the report's author, Professor Ian McAllister, said. "However, this move towards secularisation does not suggest a reduced role in politics for religion. In particular, people who are the most religious are often the most politically active, and so exert the most influence on parties and politicians.
"If secularisation is to have any impact on the political process, those who see themselves as secular will have to re-enter politics and influence it from within."
The full report may be found online at www.ark.ac.uk/publications
(MB/SP)
In the report entitled 'Driven to disaffection: Religious independents in Northern Ireland', by the University of Ulster and Queen's University, it is claimed that current trends will see those with no religion forming the second or third largest group in Northern Ireland by 2011.
In the most recent Northern Ireland Life and Times survey, conducted in 2004, 11.5% described themselves as 'religious independents'.
However, the new report said that those with no religion are more likely to come from Protestant than Catholic families. But, there has also been a significant decline in church attendance among Catholics.
The report suggested that disaffection with politics was causing the growth of this secular group.
"The results indicate strong support for the view that disaffection from politics has been a motivation to reject religion," the report's author, Professor Ian McAllister, said. "However, this move towards secularisation does not suggest a reduced role in politics for religion. In particular, people who are the most religious are often the most politically active, and so exert the most influence on parties and politicians.
"If secularisation is to have any impact on the political process, those who see themselves as secular will have to re-enter politics and influence it from within."
The full report may be found online at www.ark.ac.uk/publications
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 May 2023
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
20 July 2001
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report. The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report. The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
03 April 2014
Good Friday Terms 'Have Evaporated' - Report
The moral basis for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has evaporated and the absence of trust in politics has resulted in an absence of progress, according to a new report. The third Peace Monitoring Report for Northern Ireland has been released by the Community Relations Council.
Good Friday Terms 'Have Evaporated' - Report
The moral basis for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has evaporated and the absence of trust in politics has resulted in an absence of progress, according to a new report. The third Peace Monitoring Report for Northern Ireland has been released by the Community Relations Council.
04 November 2010
Terror Monitors To Be 'Decommissioned'
The organisation that has been keeping watch on the state of the NI terrorist groups' ceasefires has been praised today - but only as it was being consigned to history at the same time.
Terror Monitors To Be 'Decommissioned'
The organisation that has been keeping watch on the state of the NI terrorist groups' ceasefires has been praised today - but only as it was being consigned to history at the same time.
29 July 2010
BBC's 'Misleading' NI Coverage Improved
The BBC Trust have found that "significant improvements" have been made to devolved news coverage once described as "misleading" and "confusing", but concerns still remain.
BBC's 'Misleading' NI Coverage Improved
The BBC Trust have found that "significant improvements" have been made to devolved news coverage once described as "misleading" and "confusing", but concerns still remain.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will remain cloudy through the evening and overnight with some mist or the odd spot of drizzle possible at times. Light southwest winds continue. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
