Black Americans are among the most religious groups in the U.S., though their religious beliefs and practices vary widely. Most identify as Christian, but this share has declined from 85% in 2007 to 73% in 2025, mirroring nationwide trends.
Within Christianity, Protestants dominate (65%), followed by Catholics and other Christian groups, as per PEW Research Centre. Despite this decline, Black Americans remain more likely than the overall U.S. population to identify as Christian (73% vs. 62%).
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Compared with other racial or ethnic groups, Black Americans are more likely to believe in God or a universal spirit (95%), and almost three-quarters hold this belief with absolute certainty. Religion plays a very important role for more than half of Black adults (58%), with 64% praying daily and 57% participating in religious services monthly, either in person or online. These levels exceed those of White, Hispanic, and Asian adults.
Even among Black adults with no religious affiliation (“nones”), belief in God remains high (83%). They also have strong spiritual beliefs, such as the existence of a soul or spirit beyond the physical body (82%), and more than 60% pray monthly or more, highlighting spirituality’s enduring role even outside formal religion.
Unique Role of Black Congregations
Most Black adults attending religious services belong to predominantly Black congregations, where both leadership and congregants are mainly Black. These congregations often provide unique experiences such as sermons on race relations or inequality, expressive worship, and a strong sense of racial affirmation and pride. Historically, Black churches served as civic and social centers, especially during abolitionist and civil rights struggles. Today, they continue supporting community issues like voting rights, health, and food security.
Gender and Age Differences
Gender influences religiosity in Black communities. Black women tend to be more religious and spiritual than men, with more women identifying as very spiritual, listening to spiritual music, and engaging in spiritual inward reflection regularly. Black men are more likely to leave Christianity as they age and become religiously unaffiliated, with 27% of men unaffiliated compared to 18% of women. Men also report becoming less religious over their lifetime more often than women. This gender gap is similarly observed among White adults but less pronounced.
Age also plays a role: older Black adults are more likely to describe themselves as very religious (39% of those 65+) compared to younger adults (21% under 30). Yet, younger Black adults are more inclined than their elders to believe in spiritual energy in nature, such as in memorial sites and animals.
Broader Notion of Spirituality
Spirituality among Black Americans is diverse and includes connections to the universe, nature, and humanity beyond traditional religious definitions. Multiple spiritual practices like meditation, exercise, yoga, or nature visits are commonly reported, with only small differences by gender except in listening to spiritual music or inward reflection, which women practice slightly more. Spirituality often coexists with formal religious identities, enriching the experience of faith.
Black Americans exhibit rich religious diversity and high levels of faith and spirituality compared to other groups. Despite a decline in Christian affiliation, spirituality remains central in many lives, shaped by community, history, and evolving beliefs. Black churches continue to play vital roles socially and culturally, reflecting the deep intertwining of religion and identity.
This nuanced landscape highlights how religion among Black Americans is vibrant, evolving, and multifaceted in 2025
FAQ: Religion and Spirituality Among Black Americans
What percentage of Black Americans identify as Christian today?
About 73%, down from 85% in 2007, but still higher than the national average.
How important is religion to Black Americans compared to other groups?
Religion is very important to 58% of Black adults, higher than for White, Hispanic, or Asian adults.
Do many Black Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated?
22% do, but most of these still believe in God and engage in spiritual practices.
What makes Black congregations distinctive?
They often offer sermons addressing racial issues, expressive worship, and foster strong racial pride.
Are younger Black adults less religious?
Younger Black adults tend to be less traditionally religious but often hold strong spiritual beliefs, particularly about nature.
