FFRF survey: Who are we?

Freedom From Religion Foundation members are a unique group, bound by a commitment to reason, evidence-based beliefs, and the separation of church and state. But what sets us apart?

What shared experiences, convictions, and demographics define our vibrant community?

With an impressive more than 11,000 of our 40,000 members responding, our 2024 membership survey results provide a comprehensive view of our organization. This exceptional level of participation, nearly three times the typical rate, is a testament to the active engagement of the FFRF membership. Our survey captures our unwavering commitment to secularism and the dynamic shifts within our ranks.

A snapshot of FFRF

FFRF membership remains older, with 68 percent retired or semi-retired and our average age (you won’t believe this) 66.6! Two-thirds (68 percent) of FFRF members are male, a finding that has been generally consistent throughout FFRF’s 46 years despite FFRF’s strong feminist bent. Two-thirds are married or in a partnership, 12 percent are single, and 17 percent are divorced or widowed. Ninety-four percent identify as white. A small but important 1 percent identifies as non-binary or third gender, and 11 percent identify as LGBTQ-plus — no surprise given many religions’ overt hostility to queer and trans individuals. FFRF continues to engage in significant outreach, such as dedicated scholarships and co-sponsorships to better appeal to youth, women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

Our shared identity

Asked to select your preferred label, a significant 65 percent of FFRF respondents proudly identify as atheists. Another 8 percent identify as agnostic, while others prefer terms like humanist (7 percent), freethinker (7 percent), secularist (4 percent) or rationalist (3 percent). FFRF remains an “umbrella” organization for nonbelievers and secularists, whatever you prefer to call yourself!

What’s particularly exciting is the increasing number of new members joining FFRF. Over half of respondents — 58 percent — have been members for no more than five years. This influx of new members is a clear indication of the growing appeal of our mission and the increasing need for a strong voice in the fight for secularism.

Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) are first-generation freethinkers, speaking to the courage and independence that define our community. Only 7.5 percent of you left religion slowly once you decided. Religious backgrounds include 42 percent mainline Protestant, 39 percent Catholic, 18 evangelical Christian and 10 percent Jewish. We’ve chosen a path that often goes against the grain of societal expectations, and that’s something of which to be proud.

Cognitive dissonance played a role in many of your childhoods and young adult lives, with more than a third of you having a nonreligious father, compared to 20 percent who had a nonreligious mother.

Nonreligious experience

Why did you leave religion? Allowed to choose as many reasons as apply, more than three-quarters agree “Religion doesn’t make sense” and cite “science” and “religious hypocrisy” for rejecting religion. Two-thirds invoked the “harm caused by religion in the broader world” and “lack of evidence.” “Religious bigotry” moved more than half of you to reject religion. Religious prejudice against women and LGBTQ individuals, reading skeptical authors and “reading the bible” were catalysts for a third or more of you.

Almost two-thirds of you had left religion by age 30, with an amazing plurality, nearly 40 percent, leaving religion between the youthful ages of 10 and 20.

Although about a third of you (36 percent) are the only nonreligious person in your family, more than half of FFRF members (55 percent) say most of their immediate family members are religious. Fortunately, two-thirds (62 percent) of you have a spouse or companion who is also nonreligious to keep you company. Half of you also indicate most of your children are nonreligious.

When it comes to feeling comfortable speaking out as nonbelievers, an inspiring 75 percent say you speak out freely about your lack of religion. Hearteningly, reflecting our activist membership, 88 percent of you have spoken out or complained about state/church entanglements! Kudos.

Yet a third of you indicate you’ve experienced social stigma or other prejudice, are wary of letting others know you reject religion and “often feel like the only nonreligious person in my area.” In good news, only 10 percent of you indicate your children or grandchildren have experienced social stigma or prejudice.

A highly educated group

Many members of our educational association have dedicated your lives to education — 25 percent of us are or have been teachers. FFRF is a highly educated group, with 68 percent having at least a four-year college degree (compared to the national average of 38 percent), 27 percent of you holding one or more master’s degrees and another 9 percent with PhDs.

Additionally, 19 percent have some college or trade school. Our collective knowledge and expertise are invaluable assets in our advocacy efforts.

Our political views

FFRF is genuinely proud that 98.4 percent of FFRF members responding are registered voters, with 97 percent saying they intend to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

Although FFRF is a nonpartisan, apolitical organization, the survey (made before Joe Biden decided to drop out) found that of those of us “definitely” planning to vote, more than 95 percent selected the Democratic Party’s then-candidate. Under a half percent chose Trump. Sixty-four percent identify as Democrats, and another 28 percent identify as independent but leaning Democrats, with 6 percent being pure independents. By contrast, less than a half percent identify as Republican, and 1.5 percent are independent but lean Republican.

Nearly two-thirds of you expressed concern that Republicans in Congress “would not respect my rights,” three-quarters that “conservative Christians would not respect my rights,” and 85 percent that Donald Trump “would not respect my rights.” Similarly, 88 percent agree or somewhat agree that “Persecution would be widespread if Republicans control the federal government.”

Secular voter values

The 2024 member survey provides a fascinating profile of American nonbelievers and our views on the significant social issues of the day: A whopping 96 percent strongly support legal abortion as a woman’s choice, with another 2 percent somewhat agreeing (compared to Pew Research findings of 63 percent of Americans overall). Similarly, 90 percent strongly support same-sex marriage, with another 5 percent somewhat agreeing, which compares to 69 percent of Americans overall, according to a June Gallup poll. Fully 97 percent of you support civil rights for the LGBTQ community, compared to two-thirds of Americans, according to PRRI (March 2024).

It’s not surprising that only 3 percent of us support private school vouchers, 83 percent of FFRF members say humans are causing climate change, and 89 percent say, “churches should play by the same rules as secular non-profits.” Other findings show strong support for universal vote by mail (78 percent), an increase of SCOTUS judges to reform the court (60 percent) and guaranteed minimum income (69 percent).

We differ in other areas — 12 percent of members are vegetarians or vegans (compared to 5 percent of Americans overall), and 19 percent serve or served in the military compared to 6 percent overall, according to the U.S. Census. On a lighter note, 21 percent of us enjoy regular cycling!

Commitment to action

We’re not just talkers — we’re doers. Whether it’s attending an FFRF convention (which 10 percent of us have done in the past decade) or seeking assistance from FFRF regarding a church/state violation (which 11 percent of us have done), we’re actively engaged in the fight for secularism. Many also volunteer in our communities — 39 percent of us are regular volunteers, much higher than the American average of 23 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

This spirit of activism and engagement drives FFRF forward and ensures our voices are heard. Your commitment to action is not just a part of our community; it empowers us and keeps us moving forward.

When it comes to communication, you’ve spoken: 73 percent of you feel we’ve struck the right balance in our outreach, a slight improvement that shows we’re listening and adapting to your needs. Your future engagement and support are not just desired; they are crucial to the continued success and growth of our community.

The dual mission

The dual mission of FFRF — educating the public about nontheism and advocating for the separation of church and state — continues to resonate with members. In a slight increase from a previous survey, 62 percent of respondents view both purposes as equally important.

Meanwhile, 35 percent prioritize state/church advocacy, which has also remained stable, underscoring the enduring centrality of this issue for FFRF members.

As we look to the future, each of us plays a crucial role in furthering FFRF’s mission. Whether you’re a first-generation freethinker or come from a long line of secularists, your contribution  matters. Our commitment makes us strong.

Together, we will continue to educate the public about nontheism, advocate for the separation of church and state, and support each other in our shared journey. As members of FFRF, we’re not just part of an organization — we’re part of a movement, and that’s something to be proud of.

Thank you for being a part of this community. Your commitment, voice and activism make FFRF the powerful force it is today.