On Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has assembled a variety of resources on religion and the presidency, including reports, event transcripts, polling data and a graphic featuring the religious affiliations of U.S. presidents past and present.

Graphic The Religious Affiliations of U.S. Presidents Jan. 15, 2009 Nearly half the nation’s presidents have been affiliated with the Episcopal or Presbyterian churches. John F. Kennedy remains the only Catholic to have held the nation’s highest office.

Event Religion and Race: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective Dec. 8, 2008 As part of his Pew Forum discussion on religion and race in America, Eddie S. Glaude of Princeton University spoke about the challenges President-elect Obama might face when he takes office.

Profile Barack Obama Nov. 6, 2008 The Pew Forum’s profile of President-elect Obama includes an in-depth religious biography, Obama’s positions on values-laden issues and more.

Profile Joe Biden Nov. 6, 2008 The Pew Forum’s profile of Vice President-elect Joe Biden includes a religious biography, Biden’s positions on values-laden issues and more.

Q&A John DiIulio Previews How Faith-Based Initiatives Would Change if Barack Obama Is Elected President Sept. 23, 2008 To discuss how an Obama administration might approach faith-based and community initiatives, the Pew Forum posed a series of questions to John J. DiIulio Jr., who has worked extensively on this issue.

Survey More Americans Question Religion’s Role in Politics Aug. 21, 2008 A summer 2008 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found that an overwhelming majority of the public continues to say that it is important that a president have strong religious beliefs.

Q&A The Purpose-Driven Campaign: The Candidates’ Forum With Rick Warren Aug. 14, 2008 John McCain and Barack Obama made their first joint appearance of the 2008 general election at a forum moderated by Pastor Rick Warren, who will be delivering President-elect Obama’s inaugural invocation. Pew Forum Senior Fellow John Green answered questions about what the candidates stood to gain from speaking with Warren and the challenges Warren faces as he attempts to broaden evangelicals’ political agenda.

Event Religion, Rhetoric and the Presidency: A Conversation with Michael Gerson Dec. 6, 2004 Michael Gerson, a former speechwriter for outgoing President George W. Bush, spoke at a Pew Forum event about the role of religious rhetoric in presidential speeches.

More Resources

Pew Research Center Jan. 5, 2009 States of the Union Before and After Bush Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Dec. 30, 2008 From BarackObama.com to Change.gov Pew Internet & American Life Project Dec. 18, 2008 Bush and Public Opinion Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

News Jan. 12, 2009 Gay bishop will open inaugural weekend Politico Jan. 10, 2009 Obama Names Minister to Lead Prayer Service The New York Time Jan. 8, 2009 Presidential church choice sends political, spiritual messages Religion News Service

Blogs Jan. 12, 2009 Inaugural Prayers Through History — The Ultimate Archive Steven Waldman Jan. 12, 2009 So Help Me God Spiritual Politics Jan. 12, 2009 This is our moment, this is our time The Immanent Frame Jan. 9, 2009 Obama Asks Court to Include ‘So help me God’ at Inauguration Christianity Today