May 2014 – LifeWay Research conducted a telephone survey of American Protestant pastors. Of those who identified themselves as evangelical pastors, 81% agreed with the statement “Religious liberty is on the decline in America.” Among pastors of established mainline churches, the number dropped to 47%.
Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, said the survey indicates the perception of a cultural shift with which many people of faith are uncomfortable.
