A new survey from Lifeway Research found that less than half of Americans believe the nation’s churches are too segregated, yet most believe religious leaders play a “positive role” in improving race relations.
The survey of 1,200 Americans released found that 42% of U.S. adults believe “churches in America are too segregated,” while 36% disagree and 22% aren’t sure.
Americans are evenly split on the question of whether the nation has “come so far on racial relations,” with 46% agreeing and 46% disagreeing. However, white Americans are the most likely to say we’ve made significant progress (51%), while African Americans are the most likely to disagree (66%).
Overall, 38% of white Americans and 52% of black Americans believe churches are too segregated. When thinking about how to improve race relations, most Americans (57%) say religious leaders play a positive role.
In 2014, 74% of Americans agreed the nation has “come so far on racial relations.” The newest survey found a 28-point decline on that question.
Most Americans (58%) say race relations grew “more strained” after former President Donald Trump was elected in 2016. Eighteen percent say race relations stayed the same, while 11 percent say they improved.
Nearly seven in 10 Americans (69%) say racial diversity is good for the country, while just one-quarter (23%) say it is not.