Churches, synagogues and mosques in America are becoming increasingly accepting of gays in their congregations, according to a new study.
The National Congregations Study interviewed leaders from 1,331 synagogues, churches and mosques throughout the country.
This was the third time the National Congressional Study preformed statistical research on the topic. They did the same study in 1998 and 2006.
Since the first study, data shows more congregations allow gays to play an active role in leadership and membership in general.
The survey, which also discusses race, worship practices such as singing and dancing, and how closely they follow the original scriptures, first asked about gay involvement in congregations in 2006.
Mark Chaves, Duke University professor who directed the study, told the Washington Post he was surprised by the rise of acceptance of gays and lesbians in the observed American congregations over the course of eight years.
The study was performed out of Duke University.
