Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
8%
30%
28%
33%
393
Bigger government; more services
20%
22%
33%
25%
184
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
7%
4%
27%
36%
21%
4%
393
Bigger government; more services
17%
4%
21%
40%
15%
3%
184
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
50%
50%
403
Bigger government; more services
36%
64%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…
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Views about size of government
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
98%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
400
Bigger government; more services
92%
2%
2%
3%
2%
186
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
3%
8%
89%
400
Bigger government; more services
5%
8%
88%
186
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have a household income of…
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Views about size of government
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
17%
22%
33%
28%
339
Bigger government; more services
22%
22%
29%
27%
166
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have completed…
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Views about size of government
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
36%
34%
19%
11%
398
Bigger government; more services
21%
32%
25%
22%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
65%
4%
10%
8%
13%
401
Bigger government; more services
56%
4%
7%
9%
24%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
26%
74%
403
Bigger government; more services
19%
81%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they…
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Views about size of government
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
70%
25%
2%
< 1%
1%
2%
403
Bigger government; more services
58%
37%
5%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say religion is…
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Views about size of government
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
58%
35%
6%
< 1%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
52%
35%
10%
2%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend religious services…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
34%
52%
14%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
34%
49%
17%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who pray…
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Views about size of government
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
58%
28%
4%
9%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
46%
28%
12%
14%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend prayer group…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
17%
9%
12%
62%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
12%
9%
13%
66%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who meditate…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
34%
11%
5%
49%
1%
403
Bigger government; more services
25%
9%
3%
61%
2%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
56%
22%
10%
11%
1%
403
Bigger government; more services
54%
19%
16%
11%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
42%
19%
11%
27%
1%
403
Bigger government; more services
43%
25%
13%
19%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about size of government
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
32%
6%
53%
7%
2%
403
Bigger government; more services
30%
11%
51%
6%
2%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…
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Views about size of government
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
34%
65%
1%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
23%
76%
1%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who read scripture…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
28%
14%
16%
42%
< 1%
403
Bigger government; more services
20%
15%
15%
51%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about size of government
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
21%
45%
2%
26%
7%
403
Bigger government; more services
20%
38%
1%
35%
6%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
88%
6%
6%
403
Bigger government; more services
81%
12%
7%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
62%
27%
11%
403
Bigger government; more services
58%
35%
7%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…
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Views about size of government
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
61%
11%
27%
403
Bigger government; more services
13%
7%
80%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
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Views about size of government
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
46%
41%
11%
3%
403
Bigger government; more services
10%
39%
50%
2%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about size of government
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
64%
30%
5%
2%
403
Bigger government; more services
17%
81%
2%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
57%
40%
2%
403
Bigger government; more services
78%
21%
1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
66%
29%
3%
2%
403
Bigger government; more services
85%
11%
3%
1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …same-sex marriage
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
55%
38%
7%
403
Bigger government; more services
83%
13%
3%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…
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Views about size of government
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
44%
53%
1%
1%
403
Bigger government; more services
15%
84%
< 1%
1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about size of government
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say humans…
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Views about size of government
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
17%
39%
2%
38%
4%
403
Bigger government; more services
34%
44%
4%
17%
< 1%
187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.