The problems of the Catholic Church - two dimensions
The problems of the Church look different from the perspective of the parish. The most important problems on the national level appear insignificant or low in hierarchy when seen locally. The most important problems of the Church, from the perspective of a member of a local parish are, on the one hand, financial: excessive required donation for administering the sacraments (18%) and opulent living standard of the priests (10%). On the other hand, respondents mention the decline in religiosity and falling numbers of the faithful (16%). Next in importance are the political involvement of the Church (8%) and the politicization of the religious service (7%).
Which of the following issues are a problem for the Catholic Church in Poland? |
Which of the following issues are a problem in your parish? | |
Peadophilia of priests | 43% | 1% |
Homosexuality of priests | 29% | 2% |
Involvment of the church in politics | 28% | 8% |
Decline of religiosity | 26% | 16% |
Lavish standard of living of priests | 23% | 10% |
Excessive payments for sacraments | 22% | 18% |
Alcohol abuse by priests | 19% | 3% |
Breaking the celibate | 18% | 4% |
Priests expressing political views during religious service | 16% | 7% |
Conflicts among priests | 10% | 3% |
Media hostility to the church | 6% | 2% |
Low income of some parishes | 5% | 6% |
Lack of democracy inside the church | 5% | 2% |
Insufficient involvment of the laity in parish affairs | 4% | 6% |
Insufficient financing of the church | 3% | 4% |
None of the above | 4% | 37% |
Don’t know | 5% | 13% |
Fieldwork for national sample: August 2013, N=904. The random address sample is representative for adult population of Poland.
Source: "Problems of the Catholic Church" in Polish Public Opinion, October 2013.
More information about this topic can be found in the CBOS report in Polish: "Problems of the Catholic Church" in Polish Public Opinion, October 2013.