Spiritual Leadership: Ipsos Trustworthiness Index of Clergy and Priests
The Ipsos Trustworthiness Index for 2024 highlights varying levels of public trust in clergy and priests across different countries. This data reflects the degree to which religious leaders are viewed as trustworthy and reliable sources of guidance and moral leadership.
Which countries have the highest trust in clergy and priests in 2024?
Indonesia – 66%
Philippines – 45%
Thailand – 45%
India – 42%
Sweden – 40%
United States – 37%
Singapore – 35%
South Africa – 34%
New Zealand – 33%
South Korea – 30%
Malaysia – 30%
Colombia – 30%
Which countries have the lowest trust in clergy and priests in 2024?
Turkey – 13%
Poland – 13%
Chile – 14%
Spain – 15%
Argentina – 19%
Japan – 19%
Hungary – 20%
Belgium – 20%
Italy – 23%
Netherlands – 24%
Germany – 24%
How does trust in clergy and priests compare to previous years?
Indonesia continues to lead, increasing from 61% in 2023 to 66% in 2024, reflecting growing public confidence in religious leadership. The Philippines and Thailand saw rises to 45%, while the United States experienced an increase from 34% to 37% over the same period.
Where does the United States rank in trust in clergy and priests?
The United States ranks 5th with 37% trust in clergy and priests, reflecting a moderate level of confidence compared to higher-ranking countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
Which regions report the highest trust in clergy and priests?
Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, lead in trust toward clergy and priests. In Europe, Sweden stands out with 40%, while countries like Spain, Poland, and Turkey report some of the lowest levels of trust.
What factors influence trust in clergy and priests globally?
Countries with higher trust levels, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, often have strong religious communities and active clergy. Conversely, lower trust in countries like Spain and Turkey may reflect growing secularism, scandals, or public disillusionment with religious institutions.