Study: In-person worship attendance in U.S rises for first time in decades

NPR | By Jason DeRose

Published April 24, 2026 at 3:59 PM EDT

A new study finds that for the first time in 25 years, median in-person worship attendance at U.S. congregations has increased. But researchers caution that post-pandemic recovery is uneven.

Jason DeRose

Jason DeRose is the Western Bureau Chief for NPR News, based at NPR West in Culver City. He edits news coverage from Member station reporters and freelancers in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii. DeRose also edits coverage of religion and LGBTQ issues for the National Desk.

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