Recent findings from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s 2023 Religious Freedom Index have cast a spotlight on the changing landscape of religious acceptance in the United States.
The data, collected from a representative sample of 1,000 Americans aged 18 and over, revealed a notable shift in how religious individuals perceive being accepted by society for their faith.
One striking revelation is the marked decrease in perceived acceptance among Christians, with the greatest decline noted among non-Catholic denominations. While half of the religious population still feels a significant degree of acceptance, this figure represents a 5% drop from the previous year. Lori Windham, a senior figure at Becket, told CNA the findings “should motivate us to continue working to defend faith in the public square.”
The report also underscores a significant generational divide.
Young women of faith, particularly those between 18 and 24, report the lowest levels of acceptance. This demographic is also less likely to identify as religious compared to their male counterparts and older women.
Despite these challenges, the Index highlights a robust support for religious pluralism among Americans, with an overwhelming majority advocating for the right to choose and practice one’s religion without fear of discrimination or harm. Support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act remains strong, reflecting a widespread endorsement of protective measures for religious expression.
As society navigates complex social and cultural shifts, the Index serves as a barometer for the evolving role of religion in American life. Its insights offer a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing religious liberty in contemporary society.
Pray for an end to religious persecution!
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Photo credit: Redaktion93 / Shutterstock.com | Report link: here | Quote credit: CNA
