Baptists are the largest group in Alabama’s Congressional delegation, despite the fact that Catholics hold a lead overall in the U.S. Congress (see box, right).
Catholics continue to dominate numerically in Congress, followed by Baptists and Methodists, according to the latest tally by Americans for Religious Liberty.
Of the 535 members of the 107th Congress, 150 are Roman Catholic, including 91 Democrats and 59 Republicans, the Maryland-based organization reported in its quarterly newsletter, “Voice of Reason.”
Following the recent election the number of Baptists reached 72, an increase of three. Of this number, 37 are Republicans, 34 are Democrats and one is independent. Methodists saw the largest jump, adding six for a total of 65- 39 Republicans and 26 Democrats.
The report noted that the top religious affiliations in Congress have remained the same for decades.
Presbyterians increased by two members to a total of 49, including 32 Republicans and 17 Democrats. Episcopalians dropped by one to 41, with 30 Republicans and 11 Democrats. Jewish members saw an increase in three members for a total of 37- 33 Democrats, three Republicans and one independent.
The number who identified themselves as “nondenominational Protestant” decreased by five to a total of 29, with 19 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
Rounding out the top 10 were 20 Lutherans (11 Democrats and nine Republicans), 15 Mormons (12 Republicans and three Democrats) and eight members of the United Church of Christ (five Republicans and three Democrats).
Seven members claimed no religious affiliation. There are no Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu members.
(RNS)
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