Barely more than half of U.S. adults support praying in public schools, according to data released by Pew Research.
Only 52% of American adults “favor allowing public school teachers to lead their classes in prayers that refer to Jesus,” the findings state. Among those who support prayer in schools, only 27% say they “strongly favor” teachers leading prayer.
The survey consisted of nearly 37,000 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Support for Christian prayer in schools is primarily supported by those living in southern states, including Mississippi (81%), Alabama (75%), Arkansas (75%), Louisiana (74%), and South Carolina (71%).
States that oppose prayers in public schools include Oregon (65%), Washington (61%), California (56%), Vermont (64%), Connecticut (60%), New Hampshire (60%), Massachusetts (58%), New York (53%) and New Jersey (53%), Pew Research noted.
States that have no statistical difference in their support of teachers leading students in prayer include Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Arizona, Idaho, and Iowa.
Interestingly, more U.S. adults prefer the idea of teachers leading prayers referencing “God” rather than “Jesus.”
The slight majority support for prayers in public schools comes as Bible engagement has increased in the United States.
According to a report from the American Bible Society, the number of people engaging with the Bible has increased from 38% to 41%, or 10 million more U.S. adults reading Scripture than last year. The greatest increase in Bible reading came from Millennials, who had a 29% rise in engagement.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) recently signed a bill permitting schools to implement a policy allowing employees and students to voluntarily participate in a period of prayer.
