The Iona Institute podcast

The Iona Institute
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  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

The Iona Institute promotes the place of marriage and religion in society. Our starting point in debates about the family is that children deserve the love of their own mother and father whenever possible. We believe in the public funding of both denominational schools and other types of schools that reflect the wishes of parents in an increasingly diverse society. We also promote freedom of conscience and religion, and the right to life.

Episodes

  1. 11/21/2025

    'Prospects for religious revival among Gen Z' A talk by Prof Stephen Bullivant

    What are the signs of a great openness to religion among members of Gen Z? Stephen Bullivant, Professor of Theology and Sociology of Religion at St Mary's University, Twickenham in London, looks at what the data have to say. He gave his talk at 2025 Iona Institute youth conference on October 11 in Dublin. The theme of the conference was 'Does Gen Z have a future without religion?' (During his talk, professor Bullivant reffered to figures to an handout. Here is the link to the handout: https://ionainstitute.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Iona-handout.pdf )

    41 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    Stephen Bullivant

    Is total secularisation inevitable? Professor Stephen Bullivant says it is not, and in fact, Gen Z is showing increased openness to religion. He was speaking at a recent ionainstitute conference. You can watch his presentation here: https://youtu.be/DzusZCnbHXg

    3 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    Reaching Gen Z: Opportunities and Risks

    On Saturday October 11th, The Iona Institute held its third annual youth conference. This year, the theme was Does Gen Z Have a Future Without Religion? In his address, Fr Conor McDonough OP, a popular Dominican friar who is also active on social media, looks at something unexpected: the quiet reawakening of faith among Gen Z (those born between the end of the 1990s and the early 2010s). Fr Conor explores the surprising signs of spiritual renewal among young people today, and the challenges that accompany them. In this podcast, gives a summary of his address. You can read the full text of his talk here.

    3 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    Does Gen Z have a future without religion?

    Listen to the opening remarks from David Quinn at the annual Iona Institute youth conference. In his opening address at the annual Iona Institute youth conference last Saturday, David Quinn spells out the demographic facts of life to Gen Z. He told a packed room that ‘Gen Z’ (roughly corresponding to those in their 20s) is likely to have the lowest marriage rates and birth rates ever recorded and that this makes them a hinge generation. But he also said that religious practice makes people more likely to marry and have children, meaning that the religious members of Gen Z will become vitally important as they buck the wider societal downward trends. The theme of the conference was ‘Does Gen Z have a future without religion?’

    5 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    Introducing Pope Leo XIV: a talk by Michael Kelly

    Well-known religious affairs commentator, Michael Kelly, author of a recent book about Pope Leo XIV, discusses the new pontiff's life, his ministry and how he will respond to the challenges and opportunities facing the Catholic Church. He talks about the Conclave that elected him, and what may have prompted his election. Michael also explains why the new pope picked the name 'Leo XIV'.Michael is a Vatican expert who appears regularly on TV and radio to discuss religious affairs. He is a former editor of The Irish Catholic and is currently Public Affairs Director for Aid to the Church in Need Ireland. The talk took place in the Central Catholic Library in Dublin on July 30, 2025.

    35 min
  6. Pope John Paul II’s Gospel of Life at 30 – A talk by Maria Steen

    05/19/2025

    Pope John Paul II’s Gospel of Life at 30 – A talk by Maria Steen

    “Evangelium Vitae", Pope John Paul II’s encyclical letter on "the Culture of Life" and the "Culture of Death" was published 30 years ago and greatly galvanised the pro-life movement worldwide. Maria Steen discusses the enduring themes of the encyclical and how it is even more relevant today than it was 30 years ago. The talk was hosted by The Iona Institute and took place on May 3.

    38 min
  7. ‘Freedom of thought: lessons from Ancient Greece’: a talk by Tim Crowley

    10/23/2024

    ‘Freedom of thought: lessons from Ancient Greece’: a talk by Tim Crowley

    Dr Tim Crowley spoke on the topic of freedom of thought and speech at the Iona Institute annual youth conference. Dr Crowley in particular drew on lessons from ancient Greece, including the trial of Socrates (pictured) for defying the mores of his day, and how these lessons apply to our present situation. Dr Crowley is a lecturer in philosophy at University College Dublin. He obtained his DPhil at the University of Oxford and he is a prominent defender of freedom of speech.

    38 min
  8. 'The beauty and value of tradition'; a talk by Tim Stanley

    10/18/2024

    'The beauty and value of tradition'; a talk by Tim Stanley

    Tim Stanley, writer, historian and columnist with The Daily Telegraph was the keynote speaker at our annual youth conference on Saturday, October 5. His talk was called 'The beauty and value of tradition.' Tim addressed current attacks on tradition, what tradition really is, why we need it, signs of revival, and why cultural Christianity is not the answer to the depletion of our social and moral capital, only real Christian belief is.

    37 min
  9. Religion and society today and in 2050: a talk by David Quinn

    10/16/2024

    Religion and society today and in 2050: a talk by David Quinn

    David Quinn spoke at the Iona Institute annual youth conference at the beginning of October. His talk was called ‘The state We’re In’, and looked at Church, State and society in the present day, while looking ahead to what things might look like in 2050, when most of the attendees will be middle-aged. He said we face a fast-ageing population, even with high immigration, that the effects of AI and climate change are unpredictable, and that without a firm Christian foundation for human rights, humans may no longer be regarded as special at all anymore, and where will that leave human rights? He said in this sort of climate, Christians will stand out more and offer a surer path ahead for many people than any of the alternatives.

    41 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

The Iona Institute promotes the place of marriage and religion in society. Our starting point in debates about the family is that children deserve the love of their own mother and father whenever possible. We believe in the public funding of both denominational schools and other types of schools that reflect the wishes of parents in an increasingly diverse society. We also promote freedom of conscience and religion, and the right to life.

Information

  • Creator
    The Iona Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Iona Institute
  • Show Website
    The Iona Institute podcast