More Americans See Religion on the Rise in Public Life

A Pew Research Center survey shows that a growing share of Americans perceive the influence of religion in public life to be increasing. That view is held by 37% of respondents, the highest share since 2002 and a significant increase from the previous year.

Some 55% of Americans view the role of religion in society positively, while 22% hold a negative view.

The poll revealed significant differences between Republican and Democratic supporters. Some 75% of Republicans but only 38% of Democrats see religion as a positive influence.

Some 17% of respondents said they favoured declaring Christianity the official state religion.

A majority of Americans continue to support the separation of church and state. Nearly 80% of respondents oppose churches endorsing candidates in elections, and two-thirds believe religious institutions should stay out of politics. Support for loosening the separation of church and state has declined since 2021.

The poll also found growing familiarity with the term "Christian nationalism". More than half of respondents said they had heard the term, with 31% rating it negatively.

The survey was conducted between 6 and 12 April among approximately 3,600 US adults.

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