According to a new survey, overall acceptance of gays and lesbians in the country’s religious congregations rose significantly between 2006 and 2012, but declined in Catholic congregations.

Duke University’s National Congregations Study found the trend by interviewing representatives from 1,331 congregations in the country. 

From the Knoxville News Sentinel:

The study found overall acceptance of gay and lesbian members increased from 37 percent to 48 percent over the six-year period. For Catholic churches, that number decreased from 74 percent to 53 percent.

Acceptance of gays and lesbians as volunteer leaders increased from 18 percent to 26 percent overall but decreased in Catholic churches from 39 percent to 26 percent.

Read more at Knoxville News Sentinel

Black Protestant churches experienced the most significant growth, as well as white liberal Protestant churches and non-Christian congregations.

What do you think is responsible for this change in perspective regarding the acceptance of gay people by the black church?

Sound off below!