(The Lion) — Even though religion is declining in America, voters almost always elect political leaders who profess Christianity.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 87% of lawmakers in the 119th Congress identify as Christians.

There are a few Jewish members (6%) followed by very small minorities of other religions such as Islam and Hinduism.

Despite the rise of agnosticism in America – which may be plateauing – all the major Christian denominations are overrepresented in Congress compared to the general population.

For example, 40% of Americans identify as Protestant compared to 55% of congressmen. Catholics make up 20% of the population and 28% of Congress, and Jewish members, 2% to 6%.

The group least represented in the nation’s legislative body? Unaffiliated – despite nearly one-third (28%) of Americans being religiously unaffiliated (compared to 0.6% of Congress), Pew reports.

While Christians have always held the lion’s share of congressional seats, their majority has decreased slightly in recent years.

But having a Christian majority isn’t unique to Congress.

No U.S. president has ever declared himself to be atheist, and the judicial branch is full of Christians too.

Of the nine Justices currently on the Supreme Court, six are affiliated with Catholicism.

Of the other three, Neil Gorsuch has attended an Episcopal church, Ketanji Brown Jackson is a non-denominational Protestant and Elena Kagan practices Judaism.

So why do Americans almost exclusively elect people of faith to run the nation?

There are two possibilities.

First, even irreligious Americans may choose religious leaders because they perceive people of faith as having desirable qualities for leaders – sense of duty, a strong moral compass, compassion, etc.

Or second, people of faith may be more likely to self-select lives dedicated to public service.

Various studies have shown the strength of one’s religious belief is associated with greater generousity.

One study even found alumni of Christian schools were more likely to volunteer and more involved in their churches and communities.

Despite what anti-religious groups such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation say, everyday Americans are less concerned with “the separation of church and state” and more concerned with having political leaders with integrity and good values.

Like it or not, it’s religious people who usually fit the bill.