Exploring the Religious Experiences of Black Catholics: A Pew Research Center Analysis
The oldest Black Catholic parish in the country, St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Orleans, is a place where parishioners gather to worship during Mass. A recent report by the Pew Research Center delves into the religious experiences of Black Catholics, highlighting their unique practices and beliefs.
According to the report, Black Catholics make up a small percentage of the Catholic population in the United States, but their experiences at Mass and in their parishes are distinct from those of other Catholics. While only 25% of Black Catholics attend Mass where most attendees are Black, a majority of White and Hispanic Catholics worship in congregations where most attendees share their race or ethnicity.
Black Catholics express a desire for racial affirmation and social justice in their churches, with a focus on assisting those in need and addressing political topics like immigration and race relations in sermons. They also prioritize opposing racism and sexism as essential to their Christian faith.
The report also highlights the movement into and out of Catholicism among Black Americans, with a higher percentage of Black Catholics being converts to the faith compared to White and Hispanic Catholics. However, the share of Black Americans who have left Catholicism is higher than those who have converted to the faith.
In terms of personal devotion, Black Catholics exhibit higher levels of religious practice compared to White and Hispanic Catholics, with a majority praying daily and considering religion important in their lives. They also rely more on prayer for guidance in major life decisions and are more likely to read scripture outside of religious services.
The report also touches on social and political views among Black Catholics, showing support for legal abortion and acceptance of immigrants in society. Black Catholics are about as likely as White and Hispanic Catholics to support the acceptance of homosexuality in society.
Demographically, the Black Catholic population falls in the middle of the White and Hispanic Catholic populations in terms of age, with a higher concentration of Black Catholics in the South region of the United States. Additionally, a significant portion of Black Catholics are immigrants, with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of the Americas.
Overall, the report sheds light on the unique religious experiences and beliefs of Black Catholics in America, highlighting their distinct practices and perspectives within the Catholic faith.