Published on September 23, 2024, 12:31 am

Image source: Fox News

In the forthcoming presidential election, twice as many pastors are set to back former President Donald Trump than Vice President Kamala Harris, reveals a recent survey. However, several pastors are reported to be hesitant in sharing their political preferences. These findings were part of a report published by Lifeway Research, which surveyed 1,003 Protestant pastors around the United States between August 8 and September 3.

The study found that half of the polled individuals showed an inclination towards Trump with 24% revealing their intention to vote for Harris. It is noteworthy that approximately one-fourth of the participants (23%) remained undecided on their choice of candidate.

According to Scott McConnell, Executive Director at Lifeway Research,
“It is noticeable how a rising number of pastors are unwilling to disclose their voting intentions due to the politically charged atmosphere prevalent in some churches.”

One interesting statistic revealed by the survey was that exactly 50% of the respondents identified as Republicans while a quarter pegged themselves as independents and 18% labeled themselves Democrats.

“Pastors’ own political party preference proves instrumental in predicting whom they will side with,” commented McConnell. Although denominational groups tend more towards one political direction, often pastors observe themselves surrounded by clergy who possess differing viewpoints. Similar scenes unfold within congregations.

These results echo Lifeway’s 2020 survey where 53% ministers were keen on voting for Trump compared to Biden’s support base being around 21%. Looking back further at Election Year 2016, almost forty percent were on the fence until September whereas merely close to third (32%) settled early on Trump and an even smaller percentage i.e.,19% geared toward supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Delving into denominational numbers from this present poll regarding who planned voting for whom in 2024 – Pentecostals took lead (65%), followed closely by Baptists (64%), non-denominational Christians (64%), Church of Christ members (55%), and trailing behind were Lutherans (48%), Methodists (26%) and Presbyterians (24%). Self-claimed Evangelical pastors showed strong support for Trump with 61% showing intention to vote for him compared to a lesser number of their mainline Protestant counterparts at 30%.

Notably, parameters crucial in deciding votes included the preferred candidate’s attributes. Top ranking traits included them being able to secure national security which resonated with 85% of respondents. Other vital characteristics revolved around the ability to protect religious freedom, foreign policy stance, ability to boost economy, position on immigration and stance on abortion.

Primary stress points dictating choice also narrowed down onto qualities like the candidate’s personal character, likely Supreme Court nominees whose score came around 79% and 75% respectively. Surprisingly less emphatic preferences tilted toward candidate’s ability to handle climate change (38%).

Looking into critical single factor influencing vote decisions revealed that a significant section considered a candidate’s personal character particularly crucial. Insights from this real news study now allow us insight into how trusted news can influence our Christian worldview during these politically challenging times. McConnell added: “Pastors are not just single-issue voters but give importance to where presidential candidates stand on several issues.”

Keep up-to-date with breaking news surrounding the upcoming election as we bring you more insights from within America’s diverse cultural landscape.