WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Pew Research Center survey conducted April 6–12, 2026, found that 66% of U.S. adults who attend religious services at least monthly say their clergy spoke about at least one political or social issue in the past few months. The survey included 1,391 U.S. adults who attend services at least once or twice a month, out of a total sample of 3,592 adults from the American Trends Panel, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for the subgroup.
Abortion was the most frequently addressed topic, with 35% of regular attendees reporting their clergy spoke about it recently. Of those, 30% heard messages against abortion, while 2% heard messages in support of abortion rights. Catholics and White evangelical Protestants were the most likely to report clergy discussing abortion.
Thirty-four percent of regular attendees heard their clergy speak about Israel. Among them, 15% reported messages in support of Israel, while 3% heard criticism of the country. On homosexuality, 31% of respondents said their clergy addressed the topic, with 20% hearing messages against homosexuality and 3% hearing messages encouraging acceptance of gay or lesbian people. White evangelical Protestants were especially likely to report clergy speaking about homosexuality.
Immigration was mentioned by 27% of respondents, with 15% hearing messages about welcoming and supporting immigrants and 3% hearing calls for stricter enforcement. Twenty-five percent reported hearing about U.S. military action in Iran; among them, 8% said their clergy opposed it, 4% supported it, and 9% heard messages that took no position. The environment was discussed by 24% of respondents, with 15% hearing messages about protecting the environment and 3% hearing opposition to environmental regulations.
Twenty-three percent of regular attendees reported clergy speaking about people who are transgender. Of those, 15% heard messages against transgender identity, while 3% heard messages encouraging acceptance. Separately, among those who attend services once or twice a month, 19% believe their clergy are mostly Republicans, 8% believe they are mostly Democrats, 27% consider them politically mixed, and 44% are unsure of their clergy’s political leanings.