As debates continue in the U.S. over how much religion should be permitted in schools, a recent survey from the Pew Research Center has revealed that more than half of Americans approve of teachers leading students in prayer.
According to the Religious Landscape Study – which surveyed nearly 37,000 Americans – 57 per cent of U.S. adults support prayer that refers to God, while 52 per cent are in favour of prayers that specifically mention Jesus.
However, much like the ongoing controversy around displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, support for teacher-led prayer varies significantly by state.
For instance, adults in 22 states – mostly in the South – approve of teachers leading Christian prayers to Jesus, including Mississippi (81%), Alabama (75%), and Arkansas (75%).
By contrast, in 12 states across the country, there is widespread opposition to allowing teachers to lead prayers referring to Jesus. These include Oregon (65%), Washington (61%), California (56%), Illinois (54%), New York (53%), New Jersey (53%), and the District of Columbia (69%).
In 16 other states, public opinion is more divided on the issue. Among them are Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Overall, a greater proportion of Americans prefer school prayers that refer to God rather than Jesus.
States where prayers to God are most favoured include Mississippi (77%), Arkansas (76%), and South Carolina (74%).