The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has released a comprehensive survey of more than 1,000 Mormons living across the country. With two Mormon candidates in the running for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, a critically praised musical about Mormon missionaries on Broadway, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ (LDS) growing ad campaign about ordinary Mormons, some have dubbed this a “Mormon moment.” The Pew study—the first of its kind ever published by a non-LDS research organization—however paints a more complicated picture:
But how do Mormons themselves feel about the media spotlight, the election campaign and their place in America? A major new survey finds a mixed picture: Many Mormons feel they are misunderstood, discriminated against and not accepted by other Americans as part of mainstream society. Yet, at the same time, a majority of Mormons think that acceptance of Mormonism is rising. Overwhelmingly, they are satisfied with their lives and content with their communities. And most say they think the country is ready to elect a Mormon president.
The full analysis, “Mormons in America: Certain in Their Beliefs, Uncertain of Their Place in Society,” is available on the the website.