Opening up adult religious education and faith development in Ireland: the AREFD project

Abstract

This study reports on findings from an online survey which was carried out in Ireland, in May–June 2019, as part of the Adult Religious Education and Faith Development (AREFD) research project being conducted at the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, Dublin City University. Data provided by 738 respondents to the survey are reported upon in this paper. The three areas focused on are the profile of the respondents, the content areas and skills in religious education and faith development they said they would like to engage with, and the forms and modes of delivery they preferred. The key findings point to the importance of identity, influence, and language, the broad and diverse interests expressed by participants, and the preferences they indicated for blended learning, evening engagement during the week, and local discussion groups. The findings of the study will be beneficial to those involved in developing new and creative approaches to adult religious education and faith development.