Trust in clergy in the U.S. hits record low, Gallup Poll finds

Illustrative image based on Gallup survey data in the USA. Photo: open sources

In January 2026, data from an annual survey were published showing that Americans’ level of trust in clergy has reached a record low over the last five decades, the Gallup organization reports.

According to the poll results, only 27% of respondents rate the honesty and ethical standards of clergy as high or very high. This is the lowest figure since 1976, when such measurements began. In 2025, 30% of those surveyed described clergy as “very honest and ethical,” but the overall trend remains downward.

It is noted that trust in clergy among Americans first fell below 50% in 2013, when 47% gave a positive assessment. Since then, the figure has steadily declined. Record-low ratings were also recorded for six other professions, including pharmacists, high school teachers, and police officers.

According to the survey, the professions that enjoy the highest level of trust among Americans are nurses, veterans, doctors, and pharmacists. A majority of respondents rate these professions as having high or very high ethical standards, while other categories lag significantly behind in public confidence.

Additional research indicates that fewer than a quarter of adult Americans consider pastors to be a reliable source of spiritual wisdom.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a “Sharia Free America Caucus” was formed in the U.S. Congress.

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