The political gap between Protestant clergy and their congregations

·11 min·1 clip

White mainline Protestant clergy are far more progressive than their churchgoers, creating a deep political divide within America's largest religious groups.

The episode opens by highlighting a political gap between white mainline Protestant clergy and their churchgoers, based on a Public Religion Research Institute survey. Host Naila Boodoo interviews Axios reporter Russell Contreras, who explains that clergy are more likely to identify as Democrats and support LGBTQ protections and abortion rights compared to their congregations. The discussion notes that two-thirds of churches delivered political sermons before the 2020 election, though most churchgoers don't view their churches as overly political. Contreras points out a significant divide on national identity, with 64% of churchgoers believing America is losing its identity versus only 37% of clergy. He contextualizes this by mentioning the historical shift from mainline Protestant influence to evangelical growth, though overall church attendance is declining. The episode then shifts to Senator Mitt Romney's announcement that he won't seek a second term, emphasizing his role as a Republican critic of Trump and the broader issue of aging political leadership. Next, Axios reporter Emily Pack details Census Bureau data showing a 2% drop in median U.S. income in 2022 after adjusting for inflation, explaining why economic sentiment remained low despite positive indicators like unemployment. She notes a bright spot: incomes rose 6.4% for Americans without a high school diploma. The episode covers rising inflation in August due to gas prices and the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. It then reports on the impending expiration of UAW contracts with GM, Ford, and Stellantis, with Axios' Joanne Muller explaining the labor cost gap and Tesla's competitive advantage in electric vehicle production. Finally, the episode mentions updated COVID-19 booster approvals by the FDA and CDC, contrasting with Florida's surgeon general recommending against boosters for those under 65, a move that contradicts federal guidance.

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