Black adults in the U.S. South more likely than those in other regions to attend a Black congregation
Black Southerners diverge from other Black Americans – especially Northeasterners and Westerners – in other ways when it comes to religion.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Besheer Mohamed is a Senior Researcher at Pew Research Center with extensive experience studying Muslim American communities. More broadly, his research examines religious identities, beliefs and practices in the United States, with a particular focus on the intersection of religion and race. He has led public opinion studies on the experiences and attitudes of Muslim Americans, a religious profile of Asian Americans, the religious composition of Hispanic Americans, and faith among Black Americans, among others. He also publishes regularly in scholarly journals and has authored book chapters for Oxford University Press and NYU Press. His insights have been featured in prominent media outlets such as CNN, NPR, Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Besheer holds a doctorate in sociology and a master’s degree in Middle East studies from the University of Chicago.
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Muslims are a growing presence in U.S., but still face negative views from the public
The U.S. Muslim population has grown in the decades since 9/11, but views toward them have become increasingly polarized along political lines.
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Women are becoming more involved in U.S. mosques
Women continue to be less involved than men in mosque life in the U.S., but the pattern appears to be changing.
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Most Black Protestants say denominational affiliation is less important than inspiring sermons
When it comes to choosing a house of worship, most Black Americans don’t prioritize denominational labels.
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10 new findings about faith among Black Americans
Black American religious life is diverse, encompassing a wide range of religious affiliations, worship practices and beliefs.
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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.
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Before protests, black Americans said religious sermons should address race relations
Six-in-ten black adults say it is important for houses of worship to address “political topics such as immigration and race relations.”
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In the U.S. and Western Europe, people say they accept Muslims, but opinions are divided on Islam
Many across Western Europe and the U.S. would be willing to accept Muslims as family or as neighbors. Yet there is no consensus on whether Islam fits into these societies.
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Black Muslims account for a fifth of all U.S. Muslims, and about half are converts to Islam
About half of black Muslims are converts to Islam, a relatively high conversion level. Black Muslims, like black Americans overall, have high levels of religious commitment.
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Republicans account for a small but steady share of U.S. Muslims
Many more U.S. Muslims identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party than the GOP (66% vs. 13%), but the share who are Republican has held steady over the last 10 years, including after the election of President Donald Trump.
