Clergy & Churches
The Times, Are They A-Changin’?
[04.10.2013]Might the Catholic Church be open to expanding the priesthood to women? Affiliated Scholars Melissa Deckman and Laura Olson show that this move would be met with the support of the American Catholic laity.
Pope Francis and Hispanic American Catholics
[03.18.2013]As the first Pope from the region that currently includes a plurality of the world’s Catholic population, Pope Francis I’s election signals the importance of Latin America to the Church. Francis’ election may also help rekindle Catholicism among those in the U.S. with roots in Latin America: the Hispanic population.
Our Corner | Don’t Write Off Mainline Protestants
[02.26.2013]In an interview with Duke University’s “Faith & Leadership,” I spoke about trends in religious research that will become increasingly important, including growing numbers of interreligious families and the rise of the religiously unaffiliated.
Our Corner | American Catholics on NPR’s All Things Considered
[02.25.2013]This weekend, I was interviewed by NPR’s Jacki Lyden about American Catholics’ perspectives on the next pope. In the segment, I observed that generally, American Catholics want more modernity from the new Roman Catholic pontiff.
Figuring Faith | What Do American Catholics Want From the New Pope?
[02.21.2013]Next month, the College of Cardinals will select a new pope. Their choice will help shape the trajectory of the Catholic Church, which has seen significant global demographic shifts over the past century, as well as tensions about the role of tradition and modern culture. In his latest column for Figuring Faith, his Washington Post blog, PRRI CEO Dr. Robert P. Jones tackles the difficult question of what American Catholics want from the new pope.
Graphic of the Week | Catholic Views on Church Practice and Policy
[02.21.2013]In just a few weeks, the College of Cardinals will choose the next pope, following the resignation of current Pope Benedict XVI at the end of the month. As the Cardinals deliberate over the next leader of the world’s largest denomination, what do Americans think about the Catholic Church’s public policy stances, and how many believe the Church should preserve traditional beliefs and practices?
Churches Face Challenges in Upgrading to Religion 2.0
[08.06.2012]Although a few churches are using social media to connect with their congregants quite effectively, most places of worship have sparse online offerings and few Americans report using technology or social media for religious purposes.
New Analysis Shows Diversity of Asian-Americans’ Religious Faith
[07.20.2012]In a fascinating new analysis, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life breaks down a comprehensive, nationwide survey of Asian-Americans conducted by the Pew Research Center, providing some much-needed data on Asian-Americans’ religious profile. The report highlights Asian-Americans as a “study in contrasts,” at once a highly religious and highly secular demographic group. Although Asian-Americans have been largely responsible for the growth of non-Abrahamic religions (especially Buddhism and Hinduism)… more
Are Americans Losing Faith in Organized Religion?
[07.19.2012]Is organized religion – once more trusted than the military or the U.S. Supreme Court – beginning to falter in Americans’ eyes? A new poll from Gallup reports that only 44% of Americans have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in “the church or organized religion” today, dipping just below other recent low points (45% in 2002 and 46% in 2007). Less than forty years ago, American… more