Trend of less-Protestant Congress continues
Posted: 11/23/2012
WASHINGTON - The incoming Congress has even more religions diversity and continues the trend of being less Protestant.
Tulsi Gabbard, a Hawaii resident, is the first Buddhist elected in the House. And Hawaii Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a Hindu, has won a Senate seat.
There's another religious first, Arizona Democrat Kyrsten Sinema lists her religion as "none."
According to an analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Catholics saw the biggest gain, 5 seats, and now hold 161. The biggest decline was among Jews, who have seven fewer seats and now hold just 32.
Protestants, Catholics and Jews each make up a greater percentage of the members of Congress than of all U.S. adults. Protestants account for 56 percent of Congress, down from three-quarters three decades ago.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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