Political heterogeneity in American churches and affective polarization

Abstract Hostility and social distance between American Democrats and Republicans is pronounced and problematic. Previous research suggests cross-party contact reduces affective polarization. In two pre-registered studies, we examine whether attending church frequently, and with a greater proportion of out-partisans, predicts lower affective polarization in American Christians. In Study 1 ( N = 503), we find that more frequent church attendance is only marginally associated with lower social distance and affective polarization, though the relationship is significant when excluding policy consistency from the model. Furthermore, we find no significant linear relationship between the proportion of out-partisans at one’s church and social distance and affective polarization. Rather, exploratory analyses suggested a significant quadratic relationship, with social distance and affective polarization lowest among Christians with moderate levels of out-partisans in their congregations. Study 2 ( N = 497) replicated these findings with significant U-shaped relationships between out-party percentage and affective polarization. With high levels of out-partisans at church, respondents reported higher social isolation and political concealment. To understand affective polarization among American Christians it helps to know who they share a pew with at church.