How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life
A growing share of U.S. adults say religion is gaining influence, but most still want churches to stay out of politics, a 2026 survey finds.
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A growing share of U.S. adults say religion is gaining influence, but most still want churches to stay out of politics, a 2026 survey finds.
Majorities in Brazil, Colombia and Peru want leaders who stand up for their religious beliefs. Protestants are especially supportive of Christianity in public life.
As of 2020, Muslims made up a majority of Nigeria’s total population (56.1%), while Christians made up 43.4%.
Majorities in both parties said in the 2022 survey that churches should avoid political endorsements.
Christians will make up 87% of voting members in the Senate and House of Representatives, combined, in the 2025-27 congressional session.
How do governments and social actors limit religion? Our interactive has tracked restrictions on religion in 198 countries and territories since 2007.
Among White evangelicals, support for Trump is higher among those who attend church regularly than among those who don’t.
Voters who support Biden and Trump have starkly different opinions on many issues, and these two groups are divided internally as well.
Most Americans say religion’s influence is shrinking, and about half (48%) see conflict between their own religious beliefs and mainstream American culture.
Majorities of White Christian groups say the large number of migrants seeking to enter at the border with Mexico is a “crisis” for the United States.
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