CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #3, April 2002

This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of how President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as their views of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Bernard Law. Those polled were asked whether they believed it was the responsibility of the United States to establish peace in the Middle East, and whether the United States should publicly support Israel. A series of questions addressed allegations against the Catholic Church of sexual abuse of children. Topics covered the Vatican's handling of the charges, who respondents believed should decide what is done with accused priests, and whether church leaders should be held responsible for the way they handled the allegations. Respondents were asked how often their religious beliefs guided their everyday choices, whether the Pope had too much or too little control over the Catholic Church, and their views on abortion. Respondents were asked whether they believed the Catholic Church was in touch with their needs, whether women should be ordained as priests, and about the prevalence of homosexuality among priests. Additional topics sought respondents' views on the death penalty and whether they had changed their travel plans in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Background information includes age, gender, race, religion, education, political party, political orientation, marital status, number of children in the household, and household income.