To Conscience First, and to the Pope (Long) Afterwards? British Catholics and Their Attitudes Towards Morality and Structural Issues Concerning the Catholic Church

Abstract Background The attitudes of Catholics in Britain have undergone significant liberalisation on social moral issues across recent decades, whilst the reputation Catholic Church has suffered due to public opposition its traditional teachings such issues. But there been comparatively little investigation into British Catholics’ views these debates using surveys aimed at this religious community. Purpose This article examines sources attitudinal heterogeneity amongst core affecting Church. aims are examine, firstly, which groups within Community more likely conform or dissent from Church’s and, secondly, whether socio-demographic and correlates vary different types issue. Methods uses a new, nationally representative survey adults (n = 1823). is used examine variation towards range relating Roman These relate priesthood, personal morality, sinful behaviours. OLS models assesses relative impact socio-demographic, socialisation, commitment variables. Results findings show that women consistently liberal their than men. Greater always associated with support for Conclusions Implications Exploring among Catholics, we provide new insights internal dynamics ‘Britain’s largest minority’. We conclude by discussing potential effects increasing ‘nonversion’ interpreting statistics—a topic relevance beyond denominational geographical confines study’s explicit focus.