CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH IN THE APOSTOLATE

Placing Social Science Research at the Service of the Catholic Church Since 1964

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Catholics Views on Climate Change and the Church’s Teachings about Climate Justice

This report describes the views of American Catholics on climate justice. The study was conducted by CARA and is based on a national poll of self-identified Catholics, in the United States, ages 18 and older. The poll was conducted electronically from December 13 to 28, 2023. Sixty-five percent of U.S. Catholics consider the Church’s teachings on care for the environment “somewhat” or “very” important to them. This second to the Church’s teachings on marriage and more important than teachings about migrants, abortion, the death penalty, birth control, or euthanasia. At the same time, the environment and climate change are viewed very low in terms of being the most important national problem.

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Photo by: Ben Amstutz, Flickr Creative Commons

 

Catholic Poll: Attitudes About Immigration and Refugees

This report describes the views of American Catholics on immigration and refugees. The study was conducted by CARA and is based on a national poll of self-identified Catholics, in the United States, ages 18 and older. The poll was conducted electronically from December 13 to 28, 2023. Findings indicate most adult Catholics in the United States know where their Church stands on matters of immigration and refugees. However, there are divides among U.S. Catholics about how important these Church teachings are and on what the impact immigration is having on the country. These divisions span age groups, race and ethnic groups, as well as partisan identifications.

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Photo by: Lawrence OP, Flickr Creative Commons

 

Eucharist Beliefs: A National Survey of Adult Catholics

CARA and NORC have conducted a national survey about the Eucharist using the AmeriSpeak® Panel with the guidance of the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University. This study explores what Catholics believe and know about the Eucharist. The findings reveal some confusion on the part of many Catholics. Although frequent Mass attenders and those who attended Catholic educational institutions are more knowledgeable of Church teachings and believing in them than other Catholics. Those who do not believe most often don’t know or understand what the Church teaches about the Eucharist. The full report of findings can be downloaded below.

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