Written by Sutherland Institute
May 21, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY (May 21, 2024) – A new report from Sutherland Institute highlights the evidence on the social service benefits of religion and religious people in their local communities.
In the report, Sutherland Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow William C. Duncan highlights years of data showcasing the irreplaceable good from religious groups in serving people in need and why protecting religious freedom in Utah and America is necessary.
Highlights from the report:
- Nearly 75% of organizations helping FEMA rebuild communities after disasters are faith-based groups.
- Faith-based organizations, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, “serve as the backbone of the emergency shelter system” in America.
- 91% of religious people are likely to give money to any cause, over 66% of secular people.
- Many of America’s hospitals were pioneered by religious organizations.
As church attendance in America sees a decline, the values of religious people may be increasingly misunderstood. This report highlights the broad good that faith-based organizations and individuals provide in their communities, serving as a reminder that protecting the right to the free exercise of religion allows for such good to continue.
For more information about Sutherland research on religious freedom, visit our issue page: https://sutherlandinstitute.org/policy-religious-freedom/
###
Media Contact:
More Insights
Read More
Religion can help take the venom out of political disagreement
Researchers found that people of faith, although civically involved, did not believe that religion was an appropriate setting for political discussions.
The most important election?
On this special election day edition of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute President and CEO Rick Larsen, and Sutherland Chief Development Officer Peter Reichard.
How to stop worrying about presidential elections and learn to love federalism
Voters, pundits, and elected officials themselves should embrace a healthier and more constitutionally grounded alternative to the current rhetoric.