Surveys reveal harsh impact of COVID church closures
FREE Catholic Classes
A recent survey conducted by the British Catholic Union sheds light on the profound effects of COVID-19-related church closures, revealing startling insights into the well-being of the respondents. This lay organization, dedicated to defending Catholic values in Parliament and public life, undertook what they claim to be the "first major study of Catholic attitudes towards the closure of churches during the pandemic and the impact this had on people's well-being."
Photo credit: Chris Linnett
Highlights
12/12/2023 (10 months ago)
Published in Living Faith
Keywords: Catholic Union, COVID-19, Church Closures, Well-being, Survey Results, COVID-19 Inquiry
Released this month, the survey of nearly 1,000 participants will contribute to the U.K. COVID-19 Inquiry, a public investigation scrutinizing the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Catholic Union Director Nigel Parker emphasized the organization's commitment to preventing future church closures, urging the faithful to participate in the survey to ensure the voices of Catholics are heard in the inquiry.
The survey results, according to the group, indicate that over 60% of respondents reported adverse effects on their physical or mental health due to church closures. Strikingly, only a quarter of participants believed it was necessary to legally close churches and places of worship at the beginning of the pandemic. Additionally, nearly 90% expressed dissatisfaction with varying legal restrictions on churches across different regions and nations of the U.K.
Despite these challenges, the survey also highlighted a certain resilience in Mass attendance, with less than 10% of respondents attending Mass less frequently or not at all since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Catholic Union intends to use these findings as part of its contribution to the ongoing COVID-19 Inquiry, which is currently gathering evidence from senior politicians and advisers.
The president of the union, Sheila Hollins, expressed distress over the results, stating that they confirm the unpopularity of church lockdowns and their real impact on people's well-being. Particularly alarming was the increase in the number of people feeling lonely or depressed as a direct consequence of church closures.
Hollins emphasized the importance of the COVID Inquiry thoroughly examining the decisions to close and reopen churches during the pandemic. Similar debates unfolded globally, including in the U.S., where many states passed laws safeguarding houses of worship from state-mandated closures during public health emergencies. A Gallup poll earlier this year revealed a decline in church attendance in the U.S. since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A Tribute to Pope Saint John Paul II
-
'You Belong To The Future': Remembering Pope John Paul II's powerful words to the Youth
-
Remembering Saint John Paul's Gospel of Life
-
What is the Difference Between Demons and Ghosts? A Catholic Perspective
-
Mission San Antonio de Padua: Agricultural and Ranching Powerhouse
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Wednesday, October 23, 2024
- St. John of Capistrano: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, October 23, 2024
- Prayer to St. John Paul II: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- St. Pope John Paul II: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- Prayer to Holy Michael the Archangel: Prayer of the Day for Monday, October 21, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.