Report: Nearly 90% of members of the new U.S. Congress are Christians
The Capitol. Photo: education.nationalgeographic.org
In the new 119th U.S. Congress, 461 out of 535 members of both chambers identify as Christians, representing approximately 86% of all lawmakers, reports religionnews.com.
This figure is slightly lower than the previous Congress, where Christians made up 88% (469 members). Over the past decade, the share of Christians in Congress has been steadily declining, dropping from 92% in 2013.
According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of Christians in Congress significantly exceeds their share of the adult population in the United States, where about 62% currently identify as Christian.
For comparison, in the early 1960s, over 90% of Americans identified as Christian. At the same time, 28% of Americans today have no religious affiliation, while Congress includes only three unaffiliated members – two Democrats and one Republican.
Among Christians in Congress, Protestants are the majority with 295 members, accounting for 55% of the total. They are followed by Catholics (150 members) and representatives of other Christian denominations. The new Congress includes six Orthodox Christians.
In addition to Christians, other religious groups are also represented in Congress, including 32 Jews, 4 Muslims, 4 Hindus, and 3 Buddhists. Despite the decline in the number of Christians, their proportion in Congress remains significantly higher than in the general population. However, the gradual decrease reflects ongoing demographic changes in the U.S.
As previously reported, U.S. citizens were urged to contact Congress regarding the persecution of the UOC.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.