The latest cross-national poll by the Pew Research Center examined attitudes toward several behaviors, including homosexuality, among populations in 25 countries. In the United States the responses fell into three clear buckets: 39 percent described homosexuality as morally unacceptable, 23 percent called it morally acceptable, and 37 percent said it was not a moral issue. These proportions mirror earlier findings: when polled in 2013, Americans answered almost identically with 37 percent labeling homosexuality immoral, 23 percent finding it acceptable, and 35 percent treating it as not a moral question. The survey highlights how public sentiment can be steady over time even as cultural conversations evolve.
Numbers alone do not explain where opinions come from. The poll connects views to several demographic and behavioral variables—age, gender, education level, and religious practice. Understanding these links helps explain why some groups are more likely to consider something a moral issue while others do not. This piece lays out the main findings, then turns to how a particular faith tradition—the Churches of Christ—frames belief and practice in ways that can influence attitudes about sexual morality in local communities.
Survey details: who is more likely to view homosexuality as immoral
Age is a visible divider in the data: Americans older than 40 were more likely to call homosexuality morally unacceptable, with 43 percent expressing that view, compared with 33 percent of respondents aged 18 to 39. Gender also matters—women generally held more favorable positions than men. Educational attainment showed a clear pattern: among respondents without a high school diploma 43 percent regarded homosexuality as immoral, whereas among those whose highest credential was a high school degree the share saying it was immoral dropped to 35 percent. These differences suggest that life stage and access to education correlate with moral attitudes on this topic.
The role of religion and practice
Religious observance emerged as one of the strongest predictors of negative views. Survey participants who reported praying every day were far more likely to view homosexuality as morally wrong—58 percent—compared with just 24 percent among those who prayed less frequently. Denominational affiliation also matters: 59 percent of Protestant respondents in the U.S. labeled homosexuality as wrong, while the figure among Catholic respondents was notably lower at 34 percent. These gaps exemplify how the frequency of religious practice and specific faith traditions shape moral judgements on sexual orientation.
Global context and trends
Beyond the United States, public acceptance varies widely. Pew’s global comparisons show greater acceptance in wealthier nations and much stronger opposition in some countries; for example, Sweden and Germany reported only 5 percent unfavorable views, while Nigeria showed 96 percent opposition. The long-term trend in the United States has been toward greater acceptance: Pew data recorded that in 2007 49 percent of Americans said homosexuality should be accepted by society, rising to 72 percent by 2019. That trajectory indicates substantial cultural change even as persistent pockets of resistance remain.
Who are the Churches of Christ and why they matter here
The Churches of Christ represent a network of autonomous congregations rooted in the 19th-century Restoration Movement. These congregations emphasize returning to New Testament practices and often identify solely as “Christians” rather than adopting denominational labels. Foundational commitments include reliance on the New Testament as the sole rule of faith and practice and an organizational model described as congregational autonomy, meaning each local congregation governs itself without central denominational authority. Such commitments steer both internal worship choices and public moral teachings.
Distinctive beliefs and worship practices
Several practices distinguish these congregations. They typically practice baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins and view it as essential to conversion. Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper and an emphasis on open communion are common, with many American congregations celebrating the supper each Sunday. Another hallmark is the practice of a cappella singing—worship without musical instruments—based on their reading of New Testament worship accounts and an interpretation that instruments were not part of early Christian assemblies. These worship norms help form local religious identities that inform members’ views on moral questions.
Size, structure, and influence
Estimates of membership and congregations vary in published sources: one count lists about 41,498 congregations worldwide with roughly 2,000,000 members, while other 2026 estimates place total membership between 1.7 million and 2.0 million and describe more than 40,000 congregations globally. U.S. figures are also reported in multiple tallies—one dataset records about 1,113,362 members in the United States in 2026, while another lists approximately 1,087,559 members with roughly 11,776 congregations. These congregations often govern themselves under a plurality of male elders and avoid formal creeds, a structure that shapes how communities discuss social issues.
Why these intersections matter
The intersection of survey results and religious organization matters because local faith communities provide the social context where attitudes are formed and reinforced. The combination of daily religious practice, denominational teaching, and community ties helps explain why certain groups remain more inclined to view homosexuality as morally unacceptable even as broader public opinion shifts. Recognizing these dynamics is important for policymakers, activists, and community leaders who engage on questions of rights, inclusion, and public discourse.
In short, the Pew poll underlines that American views on sexuality are shaped by a mix of generational change, education, and faith. Meanwhile, traditions like the Churches of Christ offer a clear example of how doctrinal commitments and distinctive practices help sustain particular moral perspectives within local communities. Understanding both the numbers and the institutional contexts they arise from is essential for anyone trying to navigate or influence public attitudes on this sensitive topic.