White nonevangelical Protestants report hearing a mix of messages from their clergy on homosexuality, transgender identity
Among U.S. adults who attend religious services at least monthly, % who say that in the past few months they have heard the clergy at their place of worship speak out about the following topics
Note: Those who did not answer the question about whether their clergy have recently spoken about each topic or the question about which messages they hear are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
“What Political Issues Do Americans Hear About in Church?”
“What Political Issues Do Americans Hear About in Church?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
White nonevangelical Protestants report hearing a mix of messages from their clergy on homosexuality, transgender identity
Among U.S. adults who attend religious services at least monthly, % who say that in the past few months they have heard the clergy at their place of worship speak out about the following topics
| Against abortion | In support of abortion rights | Both | Neither | NET Clergy have not spoken about abortion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White evang. Prot. | 40 | 1 | <1 | 2 | 56 |
| White Prot., not evang. | 15 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 81 |
| Black Protestant | 12 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 77 |
| Catholic | 44 | <1 | <1 | 4 | 51 |
| Against homo-sexuality | To encourage acceptance of people who are gay or lesbian | Both | Neither | NET Clergy have not spoken about homo-sexuality | |
| White evang. Prot. | 30 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 57 |
| White Prot., not evang. | 10 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 78 |
| Black Protestant | 18 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 68 |
| Catholic | 11 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 83 |
| Against trans-gender identity | To encourage acceptance of people who are transgender | Both | Neither | NET Clergy have not spoken about people who are transgender | |
| White evang. Prot. | 20 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 70 |
| White Prot., not evang. | 7 | 8 | <1 | 1 | 83 |
| Black Protestant | 17 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 74 |
| Catholic | 7 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 84 |
Note: Those who did not answer the question about whether their clergy have recently spoken about each topic or the question about which messages they hear are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
“What Political Issues Do Americans Hear About in Church?”
“What Political Issues Do Americans Hear About in Church?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
