The survey was directed by Robert Wuthnow, Gerhard R. Andlinger '52 Professor of Social Sciences and director of the Center for the Study of Religion. According to a paper by Wuthnow, throughout its history American mainline Protestantism has been at the center of efforts to achieve political reform, such as the civil rights movement and the movement against the Vietnam War. In recent years, however, that history has been overshadowed by conservative religious groups, leading some observers to conclude that mainline Protestantism is dying and has lost its public voice, Wuthnow wrote. The survey suggests that this is not the case.
Progressive issues do seem to be of enormous importance to people.
Support for progressive issues Americans of all religious affiliations, and those without any religious affiliations at all, were interviewed for the study. It found that more than three-quarters of the public believe religious groups should take a more active role in raising awareness about racial discrimination, giving poor people a voice in public affairs, protecting the environment and promoting a greater sense of community responsibility. The survey found great concern over what strategies should be used by religious organizations in the public arena. Three people in four think it is appropriate for candidates to speak publicly about their religious views. But only four in 10 believe the clergy should discuss political issues from the pulpit.