More Catholics support use of condoms compared to followers of other faiths, a survey released yesterday says.

"It is very apparent that the Catholic church's official position is at odds with most of its members, and thus needs to do a lot more work in its pursuit of its policy in this particular area, or simply tolerate their dissent," says a section of the report released by Steadman Group.

According to the study, more than three quarters of Kenyans support condom use for family planning and prevention against sexually transmitted diseases, with even stronger support for the latter.

The survey on Kenyans' social and religious attitudes, says attendance at church and other religious meetings is dropping by day.

But Kenyans are evenly split on the role of the Church in promoting morality.

Whereas a third of the adult population feel that religion's role in upholding social morals has not wavered or changed, almost an equal number think its influence over the issue is waning.

And more than a third of Kenyans were unhappy with the role of religious leaders in politics. Majority want them to play a more significant role.

Only 17 per cent feel the Church should completely avoid politics.

On homosexuality, majority said the act is against religious teachings.

Just two per cent of Kenyans supported same sex marriage.

Although opinions were divided on what individuals would do if their religious leaders revealed they are gay or lesbian, the study indicates such a move would cause considerable tension in the Church.

Although 21 per cent advocated for tolerance, half of those interviewed said they would leave their particular church grouping but remain in the faith.

On abortion, the study shows that although most Kenyans are opposed to it, there are varied opinions on when it should be permissible.

Even those who feel it should not be legalised, think abortion should be permitted in certain cases - particularly when the mother's life is in danger.

Others strongly hold the opinion that it is justifiable in case of pregnancies resulting from rape.

And a quarter of the population held the view that the decision on whether or not to terminate pregnancy, should rest with the affected woman.

There has been debate that if abortion was legalised, the number of street families would decline.

Acknowledgements
This article originally appeared in the 21 August 2006 edition of The Nation (Kenya).