wfn.org | Mainline Protestantism

[ENS@ecunet.org]

For more information contact:
James Solheim
jsolheim@dfms.org
212/922-5385
http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens

2000-094

Mainline Protestantism has not lost its public voice, 
Princeton survey reveals

by James Solheim

     (ENS) American mainline Protestantism has not lost its 
political voice--nor has it surrendered the field to 
conservatives, according to a new study by Princeton 
University.

     At the center of the struggle for political reform 
over the years, especially for civil rights and against the 
Vietnam War, mainline involvement has been overshadowed by 
more conservative religious groups, leading some observers 
to conclude that the churches have lost their voice.

     "The perception that religious groups are really only 
interested in conservative issues is not true," said 
Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow, an Episcopal layman 
who directed the study. "They are not only focused on 
issues such as abortion or prayer in the schools. 
Progressive issues do seem to be of enormous importance to 
people," he said.

     The study by the Survey Research Center found that 
more than three-quarters of the public believe that 
religious groups should take a more active role in raising 
awareness of racial discrimination, giving the poor a voice 
in public affairs, protecting the environment and promoting 
a greater sense of community responsibility.

     For example, six in 10 people surveyed said that they 
were "quite interested" in legislation to protect the 
environment and in "social policies that would help the 
poor."

     The survey showed nearly as much interest in the 
issues of "overcoming discrimination against women in our 
society," and for "achieving greater equality for racial 
and ethnic minorities in our society," as well as 
"government policies to promote international peace."

Political alliances

     Yet there was great concern over the strategies used 
by religious organizations in the public arena. While three 
in four who responded think it is appropriate for political 
candidates to speak publicly about their religious views, 
only four in 10 believe the clergy should discuss political 
issues from the pulpit.

     "We have too often assumed that mainline Protestants 
are politically dormant," Wuthnow said. "These results show 
they are politically interested and active."

     He noted that the public "wants churches to be taking 
a more active role at the local level but is less keen on 
religious groups exercising influence at the national 
level." Yet he underscored the potential for alliances on 
the local level among liberal Protestants, African American 
churches, Roman Catholics and Jews on such issues as 
protecting the environment and overcoming social 
injustices.

     There was little support, however, for religious 
leaders forming political movements, criticizing elected 
leaders, running for public office and appearing on 
television talk shows.

     Among the other highlights of the survey:

     *77 percent of mainline Protestants described 
themselves as moderate or liberal and 49 percent have 
engaged in political activities in the last year;

          *56 percent of mainline Protestants said that 
their congregation has helped sponsor a shelter for the 
homeless in the past year and 49 percent have "done 
volunteer work for an organization other than a church or 
place of worship";

          *When asked whether what religious groups do and 
say affect life in this country, 28 percent said a lot, 49 
percent said some, 17 percent only a little and 4 percent 
not at all;

          *When asked what kind of overall effect religious 
groups have on the country, 16 percent said very positive, 
66 percent said somewhat positive, 12 percent said somewhat 
negative and 3 percent said very negative.

     The study was one of seven on "Religious Communities 
and the Public Square" funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts 
of Philadelphia.

--James Solheim is director of the Episcopal Church's 
Office of News and Information.