Churches have a credibility problem
It seems the general population, and in particular younger people, retain a high degree of religious belief but have largely lost faith in the churches as necessary intermediaries in the process. This should come as no surprise given the events of recent years. In fact it would be much more remarkable if the churches had managed to retain anything like their previous position of authority and respect.
What is far more surprising is the apparent level of optimism among churchmen that their current tribulations are largely due to the upsurge in materialism in Ireland and that all will return to ‘normal’ for them when people tire of buying largely unneeded goods.
