pew

Young families, friend groups and couples filled neon pink pews, ready to print designs on T-shirts.

Public opinion polls have shown that the party’s metaphorical church is struggling and fragile; its pews are thinning.

Elaborate flower arrangements graced the pews and walls.

And the church — its pulpit, pews, and survival programs — is a critical staging ground for that struggle.

Church pews, hospitals and whole neighborhoods have been emptier than usual.