While 84% of the world’s population still affiliates with a faith of some sort, there are clear indicators that people in the United States and elsewhere are abandoning religion. This shift toward secularization may have significant social and psychological consequences, because religion is often linked to better mental health, stronger social ties, and increased rates of marriage and childbearing. This report examines who and how many are leaving religion, which faiths are most affected by disaffiliation, individual and social consequences of a decline in religiosity, and factors increasing the likelihood of returning to faith.

Wheatley Institute and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies welcomed Jeff Rosen to BYU campus on Nov 13, 2025 as he spoke on his recent book, "The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America," a New York Times bestseller and an enriching examination of what “the pursuit of happiness” meant to our nation’s Founders and how that famous phrase defined their lives and became the foundation of our democracy.

Wheatley Institute Director Paul Edwards gave a devotional at Ensign College about becoming Disciple-Citizens. He emphasized the importance of active civic participation for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the ways that responsible citizens can support American democracy.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave a sneak peak about a new initiative that he is in the process of creating at the Braver Angels National Convention. The initiative, which is to yet be announced, focuses on creating a healthy conflict model for Americans to use when disagreements arise. Deseret News wrote about his presentation on the democratic need for the improving how Americans disagree.

Article uses study findings from Date Night Opportunity report

Deseret News executive editor, Hal Boyd, met with a panel of scholars, including Wheatley Institute Distinguished Fellow, Shima Baughman. The group discussed the current state of America and how the deep divisions have affected pluralism. The conversation delves into ways that society can continue to move towards a pluralistic society.