Of nearly 1,000 people (aged 15 or older) asked by Ipsos MORI, 65 per cent said they did trust senior priests and vicars to tell the truth.

The figure marks a two per cent year-on-year decline since 2016, and is significantly lower than the 85 per cent recorded in 1983 when the annual poll was first conducted.

Head of political polling at Ipsos MORI, Gideon Skinner said: “Groups such as professors, scientists, the police, trade union officials and civil servants have become more trusted, but the clergy are the most notable losers.

“But not everything changes – doctors, nurses and teachers have consistently been near the top, and politicians and journalists down the bottom.”

The statistics suggest clergy are trusted more than nurses, doctors and police officers – but less than estate agents, journalists and politicians.

Reacting to the figures, Baptist minster Jonathan Edwards told Premier recent scandals within the church may be to blame, explaining: “Clearly, there are many clergy who have slipped up and done things they ought not to have done, and that tends to blacken the reputation of others.

“Statistics like this should always be received by the Church with humility; we’re all failed people and we should be deeply disappointed by these things.”

Similarly, public faith in scientists has never been higher – 83 per cent, compared to 63 per cent in 1997.

In contrast, the trust enjoyed by police officers…

William Connelly broke down in tears as he told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry of his experiences at Smyllum Park in Lanark.

The 69-year-old, who stayed at the children’s home from 1958, spoke of almost daily beatings by nuns and others.

He also claimed a priest would perform a sex act on himself when hearing confession.

Mr Connelly made the decision to speak publicly because he said he wanted his alleged abusers to “know that is me and not some anonymous guy”.

He told the inquiry how a “dodgy” priest would make the boys strip off their “dirty” clothes and rub them in holy water.

Mr Connelly told how one of the nuns seemed to get enjoyment from regularly beating him with a hairbrush and kicking him with “pantomime” boots.

On one occasion, he said he was attacked with scissors and left with cuts to his scalp and hands.

Older boys, who were put in charge of the younger residents, were said to sometimes make them pick a stick which they would beat then them with.

Mr Connelly said he forgave the nuns, because he believed they were unhappy, but rejected their joint apology.

He then became aware at the hearing that one of his alleged abusers was possibly still alive.

Mr Connelly said: “She’s a liar. One of the reasons I made the decision to do this was because I wanted them to know it’s me and not some anonymous guy.”

He then broke down in tears, before adding: “I was hoping she was dead, you’ve just told me she’s still alive – she’s a liar.”

A statement was then…

The Christian singer and songwriter revealed she has started rehearsals this week for a Christmas tour, just seven weeks after the procedure.

Writing on Facebook, the 45-year-old said: “I was told it would be at least seven months before my full vocal strength returned.

“But God decided to return my vocal strength in just seven weeks.

“What a privilege to use this miracle to honour his name, adore his name, and declare the power that is only found in his name.”

Natalie Grant cancelled a string of shows and appearances after revealing in September that she was going to half surgery on 10th October.

After the procedure, she revealed that two growths removed from her throat were papillary thyroid cancer but doctors have now given her the all-clear.

In a video, Natalie Grant appeared alongside her husband Bernie and her three children Gracie, Bella and Sadie to thank supporters for their prayers.

She said: “You prayed for me, you prayer for my family; so many of you – that we’ve never met – you committed to pray.

“We’ve heard from so many of you who fasted and prayed on my behalf; you absolutely stormed the throne of God for me and my family and we’re so, so grateful.”

They are being produced in the US states of Texas and New Mexico by atheists who claim Christians “don’t have a monopoly” over Christmas.

President of American Atheists, David Silverman said: “People ignore that fact because they enjoy the community, the friendship, and the traditions that go along with religion.

“But we’re here to tell them that churches don’t have a monopoly on any of that.

“There’s a fantastic and vibrant community of atheists all across the country creating their own traditions and lifelong friendships.”

The adverts, which are appearing in Dallas, Fort Worth and Albuquerque throughout December, feature the words “just skip church, it’s all fake news” beside a cartoon depiction of the Nativity.

Reporting a 365 per cent in use of the term – which refers to false information – Collins Dictionary named ‘fake news’ its 2017 Word of the Year last month.

US President Donald Trump has regularly used the expression to describe unfavourable coverage by some American news organisations.

Nick Fish, national program director for American Atheists, said: “People are rightly sceptical about some of the news they see on Facebook, hear from their family, or are told by elected officials.

“But too often, they don’t extend that scepticism to their religious views and what their religious leaders are telling them.”

“And right now, we could all use a little more…