One of the key findings is that Americans believe “religious identity cannot be quarantined.” In other words, “Religion is part of who Americans are, not just something they do. Respondents support protections that reflect the reality of religious identity.”

Among those surveyed, 60% agree that religion is a “fundamental part of ‘who I am’ and should be protected accordingly.” This finding explains a core conflict between local and national political leaders and people of faith during the ongoing quarantine. //

The concept of religion as an identity, rather than as an activity or hobby, must seem very foreign to many public officials, which would explains why, throughout this past year, they repeatedly treated churches like nonessential businesses, or, as in the case of some states such as Nevada, seemed to treat churches even worse.