Becket’s index published the results of a 21-question online survey taken by Heart+Strategies this fall. The survey polled a nationally representative sample of 1,004 American adults.
Support for religious pluralism showed a marked increase from a score of 80 in 2021 to 84 in this year’s survey. A composite index score is based on the average answers to a range of questions, with 0 representing complete opposition to religious pluralism and 100 representing complete support.
The score increased in five categories: ability to choose one’s religion, to pray or worship without fear, and to practice one’s religion in daily life each garnered over 90% support. The two other questions within the category, tolerance for varied ideas of God and the freedom to practice religious beliefs contrary to the majority, also had broad support, over 85%.
Across the board support for the freedom to worship
Support for religious pluralism bridges both religious and political divides.
“Across generations, and categories that typically show wide variation, every group exceeded last year’s average score of 80,” Becket states.