Freedom of Religion in the US

The First Amendment established religious freedom as a constitutional right—a safeguard no other nation had before

Europe had limited religious tolerance for centuries, but always as a privilege granted by rulers who could revoke it. The First Amendment in the United States was unique for the time: It banned the government from interfering with religion, making religious freedom a permanent constitutional limit on state power.

View the religious breakdown of the United States

This resource presents religious data by state and region, and nationwide. The primary religious group in the US is Christians, making up 62% of the adult population. Twenty-nine percent of US adults identify as religiously unaffiliated.

Every US state constitution references God or the divine, though the federal Constitution does not

God or the divine is mentioned at least once in all 50 state constitutions and nearly 200 times overall. Massachusetts has the most, with eight references, and four states do not use the word "God" but instead refer to a "Supreme Being" or "Divine Guidance."

Explore Pew Research's 2025 Religious Landscape Study

The study—conducted in 2007, 2014, and 2023-24—surveys more than 35,000 Americans about their affiliations, beliefs, practices, and views on religion. Find data on religion broken down by all 50 states.

How religious is your state?

The Pew Research Center conducted a survey of religion across all 50 states and Washington, DC. This data visualization allows you to select any state to see how religious it is compared to the rest of the country.

Americans are divided over Christian prayer in public schools

A 2024 Pew survey found that over half (52%) of US adults favor allowing teachers in the public school system to lead their classes in prayers that mention Jesus, though results vary widely by state.

Many early colonists came to America to escape religious persecution in Europe

Fleeing state-sponsored religious oppression in England and Europe, many early colonists sought freedom of conscience in the New World. Many—especially in New England—established their own religiously exclusive communities: They persecuted dissenters, expelled nonconformists, and enforced orthodoxy.

Religion dominated many aspects of Colonial life and was enforced by the government

Eight of the 13 British Colonies in America had official, established churches, and laws mandated that everyone attend a house of worship and pay taxes that funded ministers' salaries.

The First Amendment protects 5 distinct freedoms

Most Americans cite the amendment on free speech, but the First Amendment also protects religion, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government—five separate guarantees in a single sentence.

Hear how the 2 religious clauses in the First Amendment have been tested and evolved over time

This podcast examines the evolution of the free exercise and establishment clauses, tracing their development from federal restrictions to state and local laws. Discover the believers who challenged the limits of religious freedom throughout American history.