DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
30-49< 1%8%92%< 1%< 1%< 1%123
50-64< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%196
65+< 1%< 1%< 1%23%67%10%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionMenWomenSample size
30-4947%53%123
50-6443%57%196
65+42%58%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Age distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
30-4996%< 1%2%1%< 1%123
50-6494%2%< 1%2%2%192
65+98%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%263
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
30-496%2%93%123
50-644%7%89%195
65+1%13%86%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have a household income of…

Age distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
30-497%14%38%41%116
50-6419%22%27%31%173
65+31%30%28%10%216
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have completed…

Age distributionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
30-4917%37%27%20%123
50-6431%29%21%19%195
65+43%28%17%12%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
30-4976%5%7%< 1%13%123
50-6475%3%14%4%4%196
65+61%1%8%27%3%263
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
30-4973%27%123
50-6412%88%196
65+< 1%100%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they…

Age distributionBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
30-4962%33%2%< 1%< 1%3%123
50-6476%20%3%< 1%1%1%196
65+70%25%2%1%1%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say religion is…

Age distributionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
30-4948%39%11%2%< 1%123
50-6465%30%5%< 1%< 1%196
65+70%23%6%1%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend religious services…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4925%58%17%< 1%123
50-6435%55%10%< 1%196
65+49%34%16%< 1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who pray…

Age distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4949%32%9%10%< 1%123
50-6465%22%4%8%1%196
65+64%23%3%9%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend prayer group…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4911%9%9%71%< 1%123
50-6418%5%13%63%< 1%196
65+22%14%11%52%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who meditate…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4919%10%7%64%< 1%123
50-6436%9%3%52%< 1%196
65+48%10%5%34%3%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4951%24%10%16%< 1%123
50-6459%18%17%6%< 1%196
65+66%15%9%10%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4936%26%12%26%< 1%123
50-6444%19%14%23%< 1%196
65+48%13%11%25%3%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Age distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
30-4928%16%49%4%3%123
50-6436%4%52%4%3%196
65+37%4%50%8%2%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Age distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
30-4924%75%1%< 1%123
50-6437%61%1%1%196
65+32%65%2%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who read scripture…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
30-4919%9%18%54%< 1%123
50-6428%12%19%41%< 1%196
65+37%18%7%37%1%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say the holy scripture is…

Age distributionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
30-4913%47%< 1%34%5%123
50-6421%42%2%26%9%196
65+29%39%4%20%8%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in heaven

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
30-4989%4%6%123
50-6483%10%7%196
65+83%9%9%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in hell

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
30-4962%35%3%123
50-6461%25%14%196
65+51%32%17%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Age distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
30-4951%5%43%123
50-6438%13%49%196
65+45%12%44%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Age distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
30-4936%43%21%< 1%123
50-6430%40%30%< 1%196
65+37%43%16%3%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who would rather have…

Age distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
30-4970%26%3%1%123
50-6459%35%4%2%196
65+66%25%5%4%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say government aid to the poor…

Age distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
30-4956%39%5%< 1%123
50-6447%47%4%1%196
65+43%47%7%3%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say abortion should be…

Age distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
30-4960%40%1%123
50-6471%28%1%196
65+63%32%5%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say homosexuality…

Age distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
30-4987%10%2%< 1%123
50-6472%20%4%4%196
65+56%38%4%2%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …same-sex marriage

Age distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
30-4983%16%< 1%123
50-6463%28%9%196
65+47%45%8%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Age distributionStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
30-4933%66%1%< 1%123
50-6438%59%3%< 1%196
65+35%60%1%3%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by age group

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say humans…

Age distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
30-4929%38%1%29%2%123
50-6417%44%6%29%3%196
65+17%33%5%39%6%265
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.