Many churches, synagogues and mosques are built around families – and they’re struggling to respond to rising singles

The increasing percentage of Americans who are not married or in a long-term partnership is testing employers, marketers and religious institutions.

By: Peter McGraw, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 23, 2026

Words: 1,346

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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By Peter McGraw, University of Colorado Boulder

When a couple marry in a church, synagogue or mosque, the ceremony does more than sanctify a union. Often, it binds two families to an institution.

For centuries, marriage and child-rearing have been among the main ways adults are integrated into congregational life. Couples who share the same faith tend to be more observant, and they often raise children within that tradition – bringing the next generation into …

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