But Stem Cell Issue May Help Democrats
As the Republicans gather in New York to nominate George W. Bush for a second term, more Americans see the Republican Party than the Democratic Party as friendly toward religion. And most express comfort with President Bush's reliance on his religious beliefs in making policy decisions.
On the issue of gay marriage, Bush and his party benefit from the strong support of religious conservatives and division among Democrats. But a second policy debate with a strong religious linkage - embryonic stem cell research - is emerging as an issue that may help the Democrats. The stem cell controversy is growing in visibility, and a growing number of Americans -- 52% up from 43% in March 2002 -- now feel that the potential benefits of such research are more important than preserving the embryos that would be destroyed.
The nationwide survey of 1,512 adults, conducted August 5-10 by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, finds the public broadly opposed to Catholic Church leaders denying communion to Catholic politicians whose views on abortion and other "life" issues go against church teachings.
There also is widespread opposition to political parties asking church members for lists of congregants so the parties can encourage them to register and vote. In a similar vein, Americans continue to oppose the idea of churches and other houses of worship endorsing political candidates. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say churches should not do this, while just 25% find it acceptable.
At the same time, the poll paints a portrait of a public comfortable with politicians who talk about their religious beliefs and who rely on religion in making decisions. Roughly seven-in-ten voters (72%) continue to say it is important to them that a president have strong religious beliefs. Majorities feel both Bush and Kerry mention their faith the right amount. And while neither political party is seen as particularly unfriendly toward religion, somewhat more Americans say the Republican Party is friendly toward religion (52%) than the Democratic Party (40%).
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