Poll: Fewer Americans Give Clergy High Honesty, Ethics Ratings

Only half of Americans rate the honesty and ethics of clergy as very high or high, a new Gallup poll reveals.

A fall from 56 percent of Americans last year, the percentage is the lowest it has been in the last three decades.

The honesty and ethics of clergy are not seen favorably among both Catholics and Protestants and both regular and non-regular churchgoers.

Among Protestants and other Christians, only 55 percent – down from 60 percent in 2008 – gave a very high or high rating. Similarly, only 56 percent of Catholics, down from 63 percent last year, gave such ratings.

Americans who seldom or never attend church were less likely to rate the honesty and ethics of clergy as high (40 percent) compared to those who attend weekly (63 percent).

Overall, the Gallup report points out that the ratings of clergy remain high when compared to other professions. Clergy rank 8th in the 22 professions tested this year.

Bankers, stockbrokers, business executives, members of Congress and lawyers have low credibility with Americans when it comes to honesty and ethics.

Only 19 percent of Americans gave bankers high ratings.

Notably, however, the ratings of clergy declined the most over the past year.

Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,017 national adults, aged 18 and older, conducted Nov. 20-22, 2009.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.