Irish School of Ecumenics Begins Research Project on 21st Century Faith

Posted on: 15 April 2009

Researchers at the Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College, are conducting the first all-Ireland investigation into religious faith and practice.  Titled Visioning 21st Century Ecumenism, the investigation will initially conduct two major surveys, one designed for clergy of all Christian denominations and religious faiths, the other designed for lay people, to determine what issues are of most importance to people’s faith.

The confidential surveys will form part of a three-year research project funded by the Irish government through the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences.  The study aims to develop a comprehensive analysis of the impact of diversity and immigration on religious communities in Ireland and gain an understanding of people’s attitudes about reconciliation and ecumenism.

Professor Linda Hogan, Principal Investigator for the project and Head of the Irish School of Ecumenics, commented: “The insights we gain from the surveys will help us to frame the overall research project, developing theological models for meaningful engagement with these issues.  We expect these will have theological significance and impact beyond Ireland, and will contribute to important global debates.”

The surveys research will be overseen by Dr Gladys Ganiel, ISE lecturer in Reconciliation Studies, who noted: “These surveys are the first of their kind on the island of Ireland.  We are intensely interested in how clergy and people at the grassroots of our churches and faith communities are approaching these important issues.”

Email or postal addresses for all clergy and religious leaders in Ireland were gathered by the research team who will contact them from April 15th 2009 and request their participation.  Both surveys can be accesses via the following link: www.ecumenics.ie/survey and will remain live until May 31st 2009 for clergy and June 30th 2009 for interested lay people.

As survey results come through they will be made available on www.tcd.ie/ise.  Full details of the research project can be viewed on www.tcd.ie/ise and www.ecumenics.ie.