More than one-fourth of Americans say the Covid-19 pandemic strengthened their religious faith, and even more say they grew closer to their immediate family during the outbreak, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
The poll found that 28 percent of Americans say their own religious faith “has become stronger” during the pandemic, while 41 percent say their relationship with their immediate family members has strengthened. Taken together, the data means that for tens of millions of Americans, the pandemic had a positive impact on their lives.
America leads the world in the percentage of citizens who say the pandemic strengthened their faith. Spain (16 percent) is second, followed by Italy (15 percent) and Canada (13 percent). Four countries (Australia, United Kingdom, France, South Korea) tied for fifth at 10 percent. In the U.S., only 4 percent say the pandemic weakened their faith.
“The U.S. has by far the highest share of respondents who say their faith has strengthened,” a Pew analysis of the data said. “… The pandemic has led to the cancellation of religious activities and in-person services around the world, but few people say their religious faith has weakened as a result of the outbreak.”