RELIGION has always played an important role in American politics. But a new survey by the Pew Research Center suggests that a narrow majority of Americans now think that churches and other religious organisations should keep quiet when it comes to social and political matters. Most notable is the sharp increase since 2004 in Republicans who believe that churches should keep out of politics. This shift in opinion may represent frustration and disillusionment among social conservatives rather than a genuine desire for a political system free of religious influence.

Shutterstock