Leadership Journal

Much has been written in recent years about the rise of the "Nones," those Americans claiming no religious affiliation. The 2009 American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) showed the percentage of Americans claiming "no religion" almost doubled in about two decades, climbing from 8.1 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2008.

Another study released in October from The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life showed that the number of "Nones" continues to rise. Now one-fifth of the U.S. public (and a third of adults under 30) claim "no religion." And the "Nones" left their stamp on last week's election. Exit polls revealed that the Nones made up 12 percent of all voters and voted overwhelmingly for Democrats.

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