September 17, 2024
New Report from More in Common Challenges Misconceptions About Faith in America
Report Reveals Surprising Findings on the Role of Faith in a Polarized Society
September 17, 2024 – More in Common, a non-partisan research organization dedicated to
fostering social cohesion, is proud to announce the release of its latest report: Promising
Revelations: Undoing the False Impressions of America’s Faithful.
This in-depth study draws on research from more than 6,000 Americans to paint a clear picture
of faith in America in 2024 — dispelling key misperceptions surrounding faith communities and
highlighting the powerful role faith leaders can play in bridging divisions in the United States.
Contrary to the widespread belief that religion, particularly within Evangelical and Catholic
communities, is heavily politicized, the report finds that most Americans turn to faith for spiritual
support rather than political expression. Furthermore, despite narratives of faith’s decline, the
majority of Americans, including younger generations, still see their religious identity as a vital
part of their lives. The study also dispels stereotypes about religious intolerance, revealing that
most faith communities value pluralism and desire a society in which all religions feel welcome.
Jason Mangone, Executive Director of More in Common US, said: “This report shines a light on
the enormous potential of America’s faith communities to heal divisions and foster a more united
society. It’s time we move beyond the misperceptions that have distorted the public narrative
about faith in America and embrace the vital role faith leaders can play in building bridges
across divides.”
Among the report’s key recommendations are calls for faith leaders to leverage their influence to
reduce political polarization, promote dialogue, and challenge the misconceptions that fuel
division. By emphasizing shared values such as kindness, dignity, and respect for diversity, the
report suggests that faith communities can be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen social
cohesion.
“One of the most important findings is that Americans’ religious lives are far more nuanced than
the political narratives surrounding them,” said Coco Xu, the report’s lead author. “While some
media narratives may portray communities of faith as intolerant, politically-driven, or increasingly
irrelevant, our research suggests otherwise; most religious Americans—Evangelical or
otherwise—prioritize their relationship with God, their families, and moral values over their
political identity.”
The full report is available for download at https://www.faithperceptiongap.us/.
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About More in Common US
More in Common US is a non-partisan research and civic nonprofit that works to understand the forces driving us apart, find common ground, and bring people together to address our shared challenges.