.Pew Research Center 2023‑24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study: Team, Methods & Findings Overview

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The Pew Research Center has released a new report that incorporates fresh analysis of data from the 2023‑24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study. The study was made possible by funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts, with additional support from the Lilly Endowment Inc., Templeton Religion Trust, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

Primary researcher and research team

Senior Researcher Becka A. Alper served as the primary researcher. The broader research team includes Alan Cooperman (Director, Religion Research), Gregory A. Smith (Senior Associate Director, Research), Besheer Mohamed (Principal Researcher), Chip Rotolo (Research Associate), Patricia Tevington (Research Associate), Asta Kallo (Research Assistant), Meghan Rustemeyer (Research Assistant) and former analyst Justin Nortey.

Methods and editorial staff

The methods team was led by Courtney Kennedy, Vice President of Methods and Innovation, and featured Ashley Amaya, Andrew Mercer, Dorene Asare‑Marfo, Dana Popky, Anna Brown, Arnold Lau and former intern Thomas May. Editorial and graphic design work was handled by Jeff Diamant, Rebecca Leppert and Bill Webster, while communications and web publishing were overseen by Hannah Taber, Justine Coleman and Talia Price.

Did You Know? Pew Research Center operates as a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, which is also its primary funder.

Why the report matters

The analysis provides an updated look at the religious composition of the United States, drawing on a large‑scale survey that tracks shifts in belief and affiliation. By detailing the collaborative nature of the effort—including researchers, methodologists and designers—the report underscores the importance of rigorous, multi‑disciplinary approaches to social data.

Expert Insight: The breadth of expertise—from senior researchers to methodologists—suggests the findings will be robust and widely applicable, offering policymakers, faith leaders and scholars a reliable baseline for understanding emerging trends in American religiosity.

Stakeholders can explore the full set of findings and related reports at pewresearch.org/religion.

What may happen next

Future analyses could build on this foundation, potentially examining how demographic changes intersect with religious affiliation. Researchers may also apply the methodology to new topics, and funders might continue to support similar large‑scale surveys that track social attitudes over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who funded the 2023‑24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study?

The study was funded primarily by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with additional support from the Lilly Endowment Inc., Templeton Religion Trust, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

What data does the new report analyze?

The report analyzes new findings from the 2023‑24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study, a nationwide survey of religious belief and affiliation.

Who led the research effort?

Senior Researcher Becka A. Alper served as the primary researcher, supported by a team that includes Alan Cooperman, Gregory A. Smith and others.

How do you think this updated portrait of American religiosity will influence public conversation?

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