Summary
The United States is experiencing a major change in its religious landscape, with more people identifying as having no religion and many churches closing. This shift affects political strategies and community spaces, as the number of religiously unaffiliated individuals grows.
Key Facts
- Nearly 30% of American adults say they have no religious affiliation, up 33% since 2013.
- For Americans aged 18 to 29, 38% are religiously unaffiliated, an increase from 32% in 2013.
- Approximately 57% of Americans rarely or never attend religious services, a rise from 40% in 2000.
- Around 15,000 churches are expected to close this year, with fewer new churches opening.
- Reaching out to religiously unaffiliated voters costs more for political campaigns than reaching faith-based voters.
- Within the Republican Party, 68% of members are white Christians, while among Democrats, the largest groups are Christians of color and religiously unaffiliated individuals.
- The decline in church attendance has left many former church buildings unused or difficult to sell.
- Online platforms and AI apps are increasingly being used for spiritual guidance by individuals outside traditional religious institutions.
