Religion and Public Life Team

Pew Research Center’s researchers in religion and public life study religious change in the United States and around the world, including America’s religious landscape, global demographic trends among religious groups, the role religion plays in politics and societies, and restrictions on religious freedom worldwide. Key topics of research include the role of religion in U.S. politics, the experiences of religious minorities in America (such as Muslims, Mormons and Jews), the growth of religious “nones,” the intersection of religion and national identity, government restrictions on religion, and demographic projections for religious groups around the world.

Signature Publications

report | Jun 29, 2021

Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation

Indians see religious tolerance as a central part of who they are as a nation. Across the major religious groups, most people say it is very important to respect all religions to be “truly Indian.”

report | Feb 16, 2021

Faith Among Black Americans

Today, most Black adults say they rely on prayer to help make major decisions, and view opposing racism as essential to their religious faith.

report | Nov 10, 2020

In 2018, Government Restrictions on Religion Reach Highest Level Globally in More Than a Decade

In 2018, the global median level of government restrictions on religion – that is, laws, policies and actions by officials that impinge on religious beliefs and practices – continued to climb, reaching an all-time high since Pew Research Center began tracking these trends in 2007.

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