Members of Generation Z in Ireland are more open and interested in religion than their millennial counterparts, according to a report in the Irish Independent newspaper (January 17). Laura Lynott writes that especially among young people undergoing crises, such as their parents’ illnesses and death, adopting or returning to the Catholic faith is seen as a source of solace and community. She cites a recent poll taken in the Irish Republic finding that Gen Z is more open to religion than those in the millennial generation. Similarly, Amárach research on behalf of the Iona Institute in October found that 18-to-24-year-olds in Northern Ireland were more likely to pray and read or watch religious content than 25-to-34-year-olds. Bishop Finton Gavin of the diocese of Cork and Ross told Lynott that he has “seen the same pattern” in his outreach work with young adults. “They are searching for a sense of community and want to be challenged. Many are making a decision to go against popular culture,” he said. “Years ago I would laugh at a fella praying. But more and more young men, in particular, are getting into it.” He admitted that there is still a “stigma around the church due to the past,” referring to the child abuse scandals that have shaken the church since the 1990s.
