According to Gallup, "Given the nearly perfect alignment between not having a religious preference and not belonging to a church, the 13-percentage-point increase in no religious affiliation since 1998-2000 appears to account for more than half of the 20-point decline in church membership over the same time."
Church Membership Decline in U.S. Mostly Due to Shifts in Religious Affiliation
Jeff Graber
Source Title:
U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time
Source Category:
Journalism
Source Format:
News Report
Publication Title:
Gallup News
Publication Date:
March 29, 2021
Accessed:
2025-07-11
A Better Way to Engage with the Issues
Better Discourse is a place to find thoughtful, in-depth reflections on political, cultural, and theological topics, where contributors are committed to engaging constructively with opposing viewpoints. The platform emphasizes respectful, sustained dialogue and models virtues like patience, openness, and intellectual courage in tackling difficult topics.
Better Articles
Check out essays and opinion pieces championing thoughtful dialogue, not shouting matches.
Explore
Better Sources
Engage with high-quality annotated sources on various topics. Become a contributor and add your voice.
Explore
Better Book Reviews
Discover books that challenge assumptions, deepen empathy, and promote meaningful conversations.
Explore
Better Tools
Try out research tools designed to help you dig deeper, think sharper, and speak with integrity.
Explore