Understanding the Complex Influence of Religiosity on the Race Gap

Abstract

We provide evidence from several surveys showing that religiosity can not only explain (mediate) but also influence (moderate) the relationship between a voter's race and/or ethnicity and her attitudes about Proposition 8 (California's Proposal to amend the state's constitution and ban same-sex marriage in 2008) and related issues. These findings advance our understanding of the complex and enduring role of the Black church as a socializing institution in African-American communities, and they speak to the need among proponents of same-sex unions to inform churchgoers about the socio-political implications of anti-gay and exclusionary policies.