Over two-thirds (66%) of U.S. adults who regularly attend religious services have heard their clergy speak about a particular sociopolitical issue, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis. Among those who have heard a sermon or teaching about a social issue, abortion topped the list (35%), followed closely by Israel (34%) and homosexuality (31%).
Clergy who teach about abortion, sex, and gender-related issues are far more likely to speak about them in negative terms. Among clergy who have spoken about abortion, 30% espoused teachings against it, while only 2% taught in favor of reproductive rights.
One in five (20%) clergy members who have taught about homosexuality spoke against it. Only 3% spoke in favor of greater acceptance of those who are gay or lesbian, with similar rates for clergy speaking about transgender issues.
Among clergy who have spoken about immigration, only 3% encouraged greater immigration enforcement, while 15% said the United States needs to be more welcoming and supportive of immigrants.
According to the survey, more churchgoers (44%) are unsure of the political leanings of their clergy than those who say their religious leaders are Republican (19%) or Democrat (8%). There is a significant difference, however, between Catholics and those labeled white evangelical Protestant and Black evangelical Protestant.
Well over half of Catholics (59%) are unsure of their priest’s political leanings. Almost one in 10 (9%) believe their priest is Republican, 2% believe their priest is Democrat, and 29% believe their priest is a mix of both.
Among white evangelical Protestants, 36% are unsure, 36% believe their pastor is Republican, and 3% believe their pastor is a Democrat. Among Black evangelical Protestants, 44% are unsure, 8% believe their pastor is Republican, and 21% believe their pastor is a Democrat.
More information on the Pew study can be found here.
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