What’s going on?
Recent findings from Gallup reveal a notable downturn in regular attendance at religious services across the United States. The data points to a significant decline, with only approximately three out of every ten Americans actively participating in religious gatherings. This marks a considerable drop compared to previous decades, where attendance rates were notably higher.
Breaking down the figures, it’s observed that 21% attend services on a weekly basis, with an additional 9% attending nearly every week. In contrast, 11% attend about once a month, 25% infrequently, and a striking 31% never attend at all. These statistics represent a stark decrease from ten years ago when 38% attended weekly or almost weekly, and an even more substantial decline from two decades ago when the number stood at 42%.
The data stems from aggregated information gathered through telephone surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023. These findings were then compared to earlier surveys conducted between 2000-2003 and 2011-2013. Among various religious groups, Mormons exhibit the highest attendance rates, with 67% reporting weekly or almost weekly attendance, followed by Protestants (44%), Muslims (38%), Catholics (33%), Orthodox Christians (26%), Jews (22%), Buddhists (14%), and Hindus (13%). Notably, Catholics have seen a significant drop in attendance over the past twenty years, declining from 45% in 2000-2003 to 33% in 2021-2023.
This decline in attendance reflects broader societal changes, particularly the increasing prevalence of the religiously unaffiliated population, commonly referred to as the “nones.” Despite a slight uptick in attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic—from 13% in the summer of 2020 to 27% by the spring of 2022—overall church attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels. The Survey on American Life reports a significant rise in the percentage of Americans who never attend religious services, reaching 33% in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Further analysis reveals that the decline in attendance is most noticeable among certain demographic groups, including adults under 50, Hispanic Catholics, black Protestants, and white mainline Protestants, according to a 2023 study. However, there are indications that the growth of the religiously unaffiliated population may be leveling off. A December 2022 analysis by Gallup suggests that the increase in religiously unaffiliated Americans has stabilized since 2017, indicating potential shifts in long-term trends within the religious landscape of the United States.