===pennsylvania===
Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 through a royal land grant to William Penn, the son of the state's namesake. Before that, between 1638 and 1655, a southeast portion of the state was part of New Sweden, a Swedish colony. Established as a haven for religious and political tolerance, the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania was known for its relatively peaceful relations with native tribes, innovative government system, and religious pluralism. Pennsylvania played a vital and historic role in the American Revolution and the ultimately successful quest for independence from the British Empire, hosting the First and Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the latter of which formed the Continental Army commanded by George Washington in 1775, during the American Revolutionary War, unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence the following year.[10] On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Sixty-two percent of adults in Pennsylvania identify as Christian, though this number has declined from 73% in 2014 and 82% in 2007. The largest Christian groups are Catholic (22%), followed by Evangelical Protestant (19%), Mainline Protestant (15%), and Historically Black Protestant (5%). The state was founded by William Penn as a place for religious freedom, a "Holy Experiment," which historically attracted many different religious groups, including Quakers, notes the RACC Homepage.
Christian population breakdown
Catholic: 22%
Evangelical Protestant: 19%
Mainline Protestant: 15%
Historically Black Protestant: 5%
Other Christian groups: Include Latter-day Saint (Mormon) at 1%, with Orthodox Christian and Jehovah's Witness at less than 1%.
The colony's history is rich with different Christian denominations, particularly the arrival of Catholic immigrants from Ireland and Germany, notes New Advent. While Christianity remains the dominant religion, its share of the population has been decreasing. The religiously unaffiliated population has increased significantly, from 21% in 2014 to 30% in 2023-2024.
Sixty-two percent of adults in Pennsylvania identify as Christian, though this number has declined from 73% in 2014 and 82% in 2007. The largest Christian groups are Catholic (22%), followed by Evangelical Protestant (19%), Mainline Protestant (15%), and Historically Black Protestant (5%). The state was founded by William Penn as a place for religious freedom, a "Holy Experiment," which historically attracted many different religious groups, including Quakers, notes the RACC Homepage.
Christian population breakdown
Catholic: 22%
Evangelical Protestant: 19%
Mainline Protestant: 15%
Historically Black Protestant: 5%
Other Christian groups: Include Latter-day Saint (Mormon) at 1%, with Orthodox Christian and Jehovah's Witness at less than 1%.
The colony's history is rich with different Christian denominations, particularly the arrival of Catholic immigrants from Ireland and Germany, notes New Advent. While Christianity remains the dominant religion, its share of the population has been decreasing. The religiously unaffiliated population has increased significantly, from 21% in 2014 to 30% in 2023-2024.
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‘Trump is inconsistent with Christian principles’: why the Democratic party is seeing a rise of white clergy candidates The trend marks a break from a traditional racial divide. Whereas Black pastors who run for office are typically Democrats, their white counterparts are usually Republicans, reflecting the strength of the religious right and the party’s dominance among evangelical voters. Douglas, 41, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is among a new generation of the Christian left aiming to change that narrative by ensuring that the Democratic brand is not associated with only college-educated urbanites, but can also connect with white working-class churchgoers. “We’ve seen Democrats time and time again sell out working-class people and we’ve seen Democrats time and time again look like liberal elitists who are looking down on people who think going to church on Sunday is a core part of their life,” said Douglas, who has been in ministry for more than 20 years. “Some people might feel judged for that. (The Guardian 11/15/25) READMORE>>>> The Interview: William J Kole, author of ‘In Guns We Trust’ Pastor Philip Thornton strode onto the platform of his Legacy Faith Church in Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 28 with an AR-15-style rifle strapped to his chest, an American flag emblazoned on the magazine. “There’s nothing in it, praise the Lord,” Thornton told worshippers. “So, fear not, everybody. Praise the Lord if that was your concern.” Thornton was using the unloaded weapon as a sermon illustration. At points, he hoisted it up and pointed it at his congregation. (Sight Magazine 10/18/25) READMORE>>>> Two Historic Philadelphia Churches Offer Lessons for an America Divided Today and in Its Infancy George Washington. Benjamin Franklin. Betsy Ross. The two Founding Fathers and the seamstress of the American flag all once worshipped on the now centuries-old wooden pews of Christ Church. It’s the site of colonial America’s break with the Church of England — and where the U.S. Episcopal Church was born. Less than a mile south, past Independence Hall, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church stands on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by Black Americans. It’s the mother church of the nation’s first Black denomination. (Christian Post 10/25/24) READ MORE>>>>> Church with ties to Christian nationalism is hosting Elon Musk’s town hall in Harrisburg Christian Nationalism gained attention in Pennsylvania with the 2022 gubernatorial campaign of Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin County, who had ties to the movement and has attended high-profile events hosted by such groups. Mastriano is frequently seen with Abby Abildness, a so-called apostle at Life Center, who has emerged a powerbroker-of-sorts in the Christian nationalist sphere in Pennsylvania, including the Legislature. Abildness led the opening prayer two weeks ago when Sean Feucht, a Christian nationalist worship leader and right-wing political activist, held a rally on the state Capitol steps. Feucht has deep ties to the Life Center and continues to be a regular guest of the Stocks, in recent years giving several sermons in the Harrisburg church, the most recent one in May. (Penn Live 10/19/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
March 7, 2023: Christian Post reported: The Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold III, who served as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church and was known for his ecumenical work with Protestants and Catholics, died at age 85. Griswold died on Sunday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to a statement by The Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Phoebe Wetzel Griswold, two daughters and three grandchildren
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon reported: The New Apostolic Reformation, a dominionist movement, wants to claim the “Seven Mountains” of society for God. It’s Abby Abildness's job to conquer Pennsylvania’s government mountain. November 11, 2022: Pennsylvania Capital Star reported: Some elected officials— such as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia — unapologetically espoused the belief that the United States is—or should be—a Christian country, governed by Christian beliefs and leaders. Others — such as Pennsylvania senator and gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano — denied ties to this movement, but clearly delivered messages that were sympathetic, if not supportive without the specific statement of support. And I would venture to say that all the issues described above are tied into a White Christian Nationalist philosophy. |
These evangelicals are voting their values — by backing Kamala Harris
When the Rev. Lee Scott publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president during the Evangelicals for Harris Zoom call on Aug. 14, the Presbyterian pastor and farmer said he was taking a risk. “The easy thing for us to do this year would be to keep our heads down, go to the ballot box, keep our vote secret and go about our business,” Scott told the group, which garnered roughly 3,200 viewers according to organizers. “But at this time, I just can’t do that.” Scott lives in Butler, Pennsylvania, the same town where a would-be assassin shot former President Donald Trump in July. Scott told The Associated Press that the attack and its impact on his community pushed him to speak out against Trump and the “vitriol” and “acceptable violence” he normalized in politics. (Seattle Times 9.19.24) READMORE>>>>>
When the Rev. Lee Scott publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president during the Evangelicals for Harris Zoom call on Aug. 14, the Presbyterian pastor and farmer said he was taking a risk. “The easy thing for us to do this year would be to keep our heads down, go to the ballot box, keep our vote secret and go about our business,” Scott told the group, which garnered roughly 3,200 viewers according to organizers. “But at this time, I just can’t do that.” Scott lives in Butler, Pennsylvania, the same town where a would-be assassin shot former President Donald Trump in July. Scott told The Associated Press that the attack and its impact on his community pushed him to speak out against Trump and the “vitriol” and “acceptable violence” he normalized in politics. (Seattle Times 9.19.24) READMORE>>>>>
Christian leaders react to Trump surviving assassination attempt: 'Thank God the former president is alive'
Former President Donald Trump was released from the hospital late Saturday night, hours after an assassination attempt was made on his life and caused the death of one campaign rally attendee and critically wounded two others. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the FBI said the gunman who attempted to assassinate the former president was 20-year-old Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was killed by the Secret Service, Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement on Saturday. Here's a list of 10 reactions from pastors and Evangelical leaders across the U.S. following the failed attempt to murder the former president. (Christian Post 7/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former President Donald Trump was released from the hospital late Saturday night, hours after an assassination attempt was made on his life and caused the death of one campaign rally attendee and critically wounded two others. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the FBI said the gunman who attempted to assassinate the former president was 20-year-old Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was killed by the Secret Service, Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement on Saturday. Here's a list of 10 reactions from pastors and Evangelical leaders across the U.S. following the failed attempt to murder the former president. (Christian Post 7/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Drag queen cancels story hour at Pennsylvania church after backlash
A drag queen story hour event that was moved from a library venue to a theologically progressive church in Pennsylvania has been canceled. Vision of Hope Metropolitan Community Church of Mountville planned to host a drag queen performer known as Miss Amie for a gathering described as a “tea party” on April 27.
However, the church announced Monday morning that the event is canceled, citing “unforeseen circumstances and news media publishing content without fact checking."
(Christian Post 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A drag queen story hour event that was moved from a library venue to a theologically progressive church in Pennsylvania has been canceled. Vision of Hope Metropolitan Community Church of Mountville planned to host a drag queen performer known as Miss Amie for a gathering described as a “tea party” on April 27.
However, the church announced Monday morning that the event is canceled, citing “unforeseen circumstances and news media publishing content without fact checking."
(Christian Post 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Moms for Liberty Chapter Worked With Sex Offender for Christian Outreach
Moms for Liberty, a national conservative group championing parental rights, partnered with a registered sex offender for outreach in the Philadelphia area. Phillip Fisher Jr., a pastor and Republican ward leader who coordinated faith-based outreach for a local Moms for Liberty chapter, is a registered sex offender in Illinois, where he lived before he returned to his hometown of Philadelphia.
(Katharine Fung/Newsweek 11/20/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Moms for Liberty, a national conservative group championing parental rights, partnered with a registered sex offender for outreach in the Philadelphia area. Phillip Fisher Jr., a pastor and Republican ward leader who coordinated faith-based outreach for a local Moms for Liberty chapter, is a registered sex offender in Illinois, where he lived before he returned to his hometown of Philadelphia.
(Katharine Fung/Newsweek 11/20/23) READ MORE>>>>>