http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/When it comes to politics in 2016, churchgoers are hearing it from the pulpit 8/12/16
At wedding receptions, barbershops and on park benches, this year's unusual presidential campaign is often an unavoidable topic of discussion.
As usual in presidential races, it's also seeping into houses of worship across the nation.
From Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton, and from abortion to immigration, many Americans are hearing politics from the pulpit, according to a survey released this week by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center.
Nearly 14% of respondents said they had heard their clergy speak for or against a specific presidential candidate this year, according to the survey.
About 9% said their clergy had offered support for a candidate, with far more praising Clinton, the Democratic nominee, than Trump, the Republican.
Similarly, 11% heard clergy speak against a candidate, with more hearing opposition to Trump than to Clinton.
The survey polled about 4,600 adults between June 5 and July 7. About 40% reported attended a religious service at least once in recent months.
Nearly two-thirds — 64 % — said they had heard clergy speak about issues in the campaign, including religious liberty, immigration, abortion, homosexuality, environmental issues and economic inequality.
The largest group — 40% — said clergy had discussed religious liberty, which is no surprise. Close behind was homosexuality, at 39%, and abortion at 29%.
Churches and synagogues long have been involved in political campaigns, with Democrats frequently appearing in black urban churches and Republicans often approaching evangelical congregations.
Helping voters get to polling places — dubbed "souls to the polls" in some churches — is an election day staple in some communities.
Churches also have helped rally supporters against restrictive election laws in some states, arguing that bans on early voting or on weekends effectively disenfranchise the working poor.
For all his incendiary rhetoric, Trump has not drawn the ire of religious leaders that John F. Kerry, the Democratic nominee, did when he ran against President George W. Bush in 2004.
A group of bishops blanketed Catholic churches around the country with fliers denouncing Kerry's support for abortion. Kerry, a Catholic, was even denied communion while campaigning in St. Louis.
When he was still a New York businessman, Trump had described himself as "very pro-choice." He now describes himself as pro-life "with exceptions" and has drawn support from conservative evangelical groups.
He also clashed with Pope Francis in February after the pontiff said the candidate's proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border was "not Christian." Trump called the comments "disgraceful."
Clinton has spoken at numerous black churches across the country.
