Most Americans believe that churches and other houses of worship contribute to negative perceptions of gays and lesbians, a recent study found.

Nearly three-quarters said that religious messages negatively influence views on homosexuality and about two-thirds connect these messages with suicide among gay youth, according to a poll released today by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the Religion News Service.

“The survey shows that a significant number of Americans are aware of and concerned about the negative impact of messages about homosexuality from places of worship, particularly with regard to gay and lesbian youth,” said Robert P. Jones, PPRI’s CEO.

This concern has been brought to the forefront of public discourse in the last several weeks. Internet campaigns and activist groups are trying to bring more attention to the issue of anti-homosexual bullying following a string of teen suicides, including one in Houston.

The survey found Democrats and young adults were more likely to say religious messages contribute “a lot” to rates of suicide among gay and lesbian youth, compared to Republicans and people over age 65.

Americans across traditions said they found religious messages on homosexuality generally more negative than positive, but were more likely to consider their own faith’s view of homosexuality favorably. The report said:

Of all religious groups, white evangelicals are most likely to give their own church high marks for handling the issue of homosexuality. Three-quarters of white evangelicals give their church an “A” (48%) or “B” (27%). Among white mainline Protestants and Catholics, only about 4-in-10 give their church an “A” or “B.” Catholics were most likely to give their churches negative marks, with nearly one-third giving their churches a “D” (15%) or an “F” (16%).

Here’s what Houston Belief bloggers had to say about the issue:

On Talking Tolerance, Jill Carroll argues that bullying–over religion, sexuality or anything else–is a much more serious issue than just “kids will be kids.”

On Some Views from a Jew, Rabbi Amy blogged about a Jewish community pledge to end homophobic bullying and harassment and the lessons parents should take away from these tragedies.

On Emmaus Road, Proverbs reminds Catholics that Respect Life month is about more than just abortion; it also compels them to address the brokenness that leads children to take their own lives.

On Lutherant, Rev. St-Onge recalls bullying in his own childhood. Bullying grieves the Lord’s heart and Christians who are faced with its tragic end, he says.