The Barna Group on Jan. 18 released survey results showing that a significant proportion of Americans, particularly Americans who actively practice Christianity, believe that religious freedom has been narrowed in the past decade, and that around half of Americans are “very (29%) or somewhat (22%) concerned that religious freedom in the U.S. will become more restricted in the next five years.”

This is a striking finding, given how little constructive attention is given in the mass media to most religious freedom issues–for example, how minimal the coverage has been of the many lawsuits by religious organizations and business owners against the HHS contraceptives mandate.

Also striking: “Nine out of 10 Americans . . . agreed with the statement, ‘True religious freedom means all citizens must have freedom of conscience, which means being able to believe and practice the core commitments and values of your faith.'” That’s a much more robust concept than a simple freedom to believe religious concepts and to worship without legal restrictions.

Why increasing restrictions on religious freedom? 57% of Americans say it is because “some groups have actively tried to move society away from traditional Christian values,” with 31% of Americans (most of them active Protestants or Catholics) saying that the pressure against Christian values comes from the gay and lesbian community.

Two-thirds of Americans believe that no particular religion or set of values ought to dominate the nation, although just over half of evangelicals would rather see Judeo-Christian values to be dominant. However, asked what kind of organization they would support, 65% of those surveyed said they would choose a group that protects the religious liberties of all religions, and almost half of evangelicals preferred that same choice. Few of those surveyed said they would support an organization that promotes secularism.

One last–but very troubling–statistic: younger Americans, including younger religious believers, are “much less” concerned about religious freedom. They are more likely than older Americans to desire a pluralistic America with no one religion predominant. At the same time they are “less likely to believe religious freedom has gotten worse in recent years.”

Yet, religious freedom conflicts and dilemmas have actually been on the increase–not surprising as America becomes post-Christian, different and divergent views and values proliferate, and governments impose an increasing number of (secular) regulations. Every American, young or not so young, who is genuinely committed to a pluralism that respects everyone’s deep commitments must be alert to these growing tensions and disputes and actively committed to solutions that honor religious freedom even as other rights are lifted up. Religious freedom and a pluralistic society do not create and preserve themselves but need the active advocacy of citizens.

The research reported in this survey was commissioned by the Clapham Group.