The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, launched in 2001, seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs.
The Forum pursues its mission by delivering timely, impartial information to national opinion leaders, including government officials and journalists. As a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization, the Forum does not take positions on policy debates.
The Forum functions as both an information clearinghouse and a town hall. As a clearinghouse it tracks and aggregates news and conducts independent research, including surveys, legal backgrounders, reports, books and Q&A interviews. As a town hall, it provides a neutral venue for discussion. In these roles, the Forum serves as an important information resource for political leaders, journalists, scholars and public interest groups.
The Forum focuses on four key areas of research:
Religion and Politics
The Forum’s polling, publications and events focus on the influence of religion and religious organizations on political behavior, including voting and campaigns.
Religion and the Law
The Forum analyzes church-state controversies such as recent Supreme Court battles over the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance and school vouchers.
Religion and Domestic Policy
The Forum examines a wide range of policy debates – from abortion and gay marriage to stem cell research and faith-based initiatives.
Religion and World Affairs
The Forum explores the integral role religion plays in world affairs, with a particular focus on religion’s impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Based in Washington, D.C., the Forum is directed by Luis Lugo. The Forum is a project of the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Staff biographies and contact information
The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. It applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.
The Trusts is led by President and CEO Rebecca W. Rimel, who has concentrated the organization's work on results-oriented, strategic investments. During Rimel's tenure, the organization has expanded its national programs, while maintaining a significant presence in its home city of Philadelphia.
In fiscal year 2008, The Pew Charitable Trusts has invested about $300 million in initiatives to serve the public interest.
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