News: Poll results on Catholic Identity

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Results of the 4th poll over the past 19 years on Catholic identity have been published recently. The poll lists the items in their religion that American Catholics consider the most important. they are:

1. Helping the poor. 84%
2. Belief in Jesus' resurrection from the dead. 84%
3. The sacraments, such as the Eucharist. 76%
4. The church's teaching about Mary as the Mother of God. 74%

At or toward the bottom of the list of the 12 most important items are:

10. The teaching authority claimed by the Vatican. 42%
12. A celibate, male clergy. 29%

These priorities represent the attitudes of American Catholics, whether they are young or old, conversant theologically or not. Furthermore, the top priorities have been held consistently by Catholics, with the exception that in the past the sacraments were in first place, ahead of helping the poor.

The poll also indicates that American Catholics generally consider the Church's teachings on the celibate priesthood, abortion, same-sex marriage, and the death penalty as optional.