A new Pew Research Center analysis finds that among churches that posted their sermons, homilies, or worship services online between Aug. 31 and Nov. 8, 2020, two-thirds posted at least one message from the pulpit mentioning the election.

The messages tended to differ across the four major Christian groups analyzed. Evangelical Protestant sermons were the most likely to mention specific issues, parties, or candidates, and historically Black Protestant sermons were the most likely to encourage voting.

Pastors also discussed other prominent issues during the period. 83% of congregations in the database heard at least one sermon touching on the COVID-19 pandemic, while 44% heard at least one reference to racism in America.