April 27, 2009 – Americans change religious affiliation early and often. About half of American adults have changed religious affiliation at least once in their lives. Most people who change their religion leave their childhood faiths before age 24, and many of those who change religion do so more than once. These are among the key findings of a new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. The survey documents the fluidity of religious affiliation in the U.S. and describes in detail the patterns and reasons for change.