NEW YORK (AP) - For the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority, according to a new study.
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life says the percentage of Protestant adults in the U.S. has fallen to 48 percent, while the number of Americans with no religious affiliation has increased from 15 to 20 percent in the last five years.
The trend has political implications. Americans who describe themselves as having no religion vote overwhelmingly for Democrats and support abortion rights and gay marriage at a much higher-rate than the U.S. public at large.
But the unaffiliated include people who still say they believe in God, pray daily or consider themselves "spiritual" but not "religious."
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Current Conditions
Weather for Lexington, Kentucky
Opinion
Most Commented
powered by Disqus
Enter your number for a chance to win great prizes!
Message and data rates may apply
