Santiago, Chile, Apr 4, 2006 / 22:00 pm
More than 60% of Chileans believe religion is “very important” in their lives, according to a recent poll taken by the Chilean daily “El Mercurio.” The poll showed that in general, 50% consider religion to be important and 32% somewhat important, but emphasized the high value of religion in one's personal life.
Although more than 75% said the Church should allow contraceptives and 72.4% said divorce should be allowed, 94.4% said they believe in God and more than 51% said the country discriminates against people who have strong faith and live according to their religious beliefs.
58.3% said they would prefer if the government were open to religion and religious leaders, while 36% said the Church should speak out on political issues. Young people among respondents acknowledged they were less religious than older age groups. 52.7% of respondents said there was very little religion in schools.