Key findings about religious restrictions around the world in 2021
The most common kinds of government restrictions on religion in 2021 included harassment of religious groups and interference in worship.
Religion & Government
All
Religion & Government
Publications
-
-
Globally, Government Restrictions on Religion Reached Peak Levels in 2021, While Social Hostilities Went Down
In 2021, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that limit religious beliefs and practices – reached a new peak globally. Harassment of religious groups and interference in worship were two of the most common forms of government restrictions worldwide that year.
-
10 things to know about China’s policies on religion
The Chinese government closely regulates religious activity – here are 10 things to know about their policies on religion.
-
Chinese Communist Party promotes atheism, but many members still partake in religious customs
Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s ban on religion, some 6% of party members formally identify with a religion.
-
Why the U.S. census doesn’t ask Americans about their religion
The Census Bureau has collected data on Americans’ income, race, ethnicity, housing and other things, but it has never directly asked about their religion.
-
Faith on the Hill
While there has been a decades-long decline in the Christian share of U.S. adults, 88% of the voting members in the new 118th Congress identify as Christian. That is only a few points lower than their share in the late 1970s.
-
Growing share of Americans see the Supreme Court as ‘friendly’ toward religion
There has been a jump in the share of U.S. adults who see the Supreme Court as “friendly” toward religion.
-
Key findings about COVID-19 restrictions that affected religious groups around the world in 2020
Our study analyzes 198 countries and territories and is based on policies and events in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.
-
How COVID-19 Restrictions Affected Religious Groups Around the World in 2020
Nearly a quarter of countries used force to prevent religious gatherings during the pandemic; other government restrictions and social hostilities related to religion remained fairly stable.
-
In their own words: How Americans describe ‘Christian nationalism’
A new survey asked respondents who have heard at least “a little” about Christian nationalism: “In your own words, what does the phrase ‘Christian nationalism’ mean to you?” These responses capture the range of different views expressed.
