New York Times New York State Catholic Poll, November 1999

This special topic poll, fielded November 29-December 5, 1999, queried residents of New York State for their opinions regarding religion in general and the Catholic Church in particular. Views were solicited regarding the appropriateness of religious leaders taking public positions and/or supporting political candidates based on the candidates' stands on topics such as abortion, gun control, nuclear weapons, cultural exhibits, and the poor. Respondents were also asked about their opinions regarding Pope John Paul II, John Cardinal O'Connor, the Archdiocese of New York, and their local parish and parish priest. Opinions were also sought on Church issues such as the ordination of women and homosexuals, allowing girls to assist at the altar, and allowing priests to marry, as well as public policy issues including abortion and public funding of private/parochial schools. Self-identified Catholics were asked about their level of involvement with the Church and church-related organizations. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, ethnicity, political philosophy, religious preference, marital status, employment status, family income, and age of children in the household.