University students' religious beliefs, attitudes

The Chaplaincy has just published a study entitled Religious Beliefs and Attitudes of Maltese University Students Revisited - 2009.

It contains the findings of a survey started in 2007 under the leadership of former chaplain Fr Jimmy Bartolo and was carried out in 2008 as a follow-up an earlier 2003 study. Both studies were carried out in response to the call made by the Diocesan Synod for research on the religious beliefs and pastoral needs of young people.

On the one hand the study reveals that many Maltese university students practise their religious beliefs, belong to voluntary religious associations, and want the Chaplaincy to remain on campus. On the other hand it showed that almost a third of students are not churchgoers, which raises questions about the dichotomies between spirituality and religiosity, and between belief and moral choice.

The survey data raises important questions for those entrusted with the pastoral care and the professional formation of young people, whose religious beliefs and attitudes influence their transition to adulthood, affecting their familial relationships, employment and participation in public affairs.

The report was launched last Friday week by the team of experts involved in the study, which included Prof. Anton Buhagiar, Fr Paul Galea, Dr Mary Anne Lauri, Christine Rossi, Fr Carmel Tabone and Dr Edward Warrington.

For details on the study view the website www.um.edu.mt/chaplaincy.