Sixty-five per cent of Protestants church leaders in the United States think the Presidential election will not divide their congregation. 

Around 475 senior and executive pastors, weighted according to region, church size and denomination, were asked by Barna between 24th and 28th September about the impact of the Presidential election on church life. 

While the majority say they do not fear it causing irredeemable tension, a third of pastors do plan to address it in a sermon or sermon series, and just under a third say they will talk about it in a prayer meeting. A fifth said it would not be addressed at all. 

37 per cent reckon they 'probably' have influence over how their congregation votes but a larger number said 'probably not'.  

Despite most not fearing a dramatic split, a 33 per cent of senior pastors said they were 'very concerned' about the impact the election could have on their church. An additional 41 per cent were 'somewhat concerned', with only 26 per cent not concerned at all. 

However an overwhelming majority were confident in their ability to lead their congregation through the election period, with 87 per cent agreeing they felt prepared to do so. 

To read the full survey click here.