In the US, mainline clergy are more liberal than their congregants – survey
United States RNS A new US survey of mainline clergy finds those leading the historic denominations that once shaped the American Protestant scene are far more liberal than their congregants on a host of political and social issues. The Public Religion Research Institute survey of 3,066 mainline clergy, released on Thursday, shows that about half identify with […]
Are US white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no
United StatesRNS Over the past two years, a group of influential evangelical leaders broke away from their churches or denominations, mostly over their congregations’ solid support for former President Donald Trump and, more generally, conservative politics and messaging. The moves, by such people as theologian Russell Moore and Bible study teacher Beth Moore, most prominently, […]
With pews emptied by COVID-19, a Catholic researcher asks, ‘What if they never come back?’
RNS COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing have put further strain on many Catholic churches and parishes that have already seen their flocks dwindling. While many still hope things will go back to “normal” once a vaccine is widely available, one researcher is asking a tough question: “What if they never come back?” Dan Cellucci, […]
Essay: How will the post-pandemic church pay the bills?
JONATHAN MERRITT, in an article first published on Religion News Service, looks at how US churches are addressing the issue of declining giving among congregations…
In the US, religious attendance flatlining, but giving remains strong – study
RNS All the available hard evidence – not to mention a look around many houses of worship – shows that religious congregations are declining. As congregants increasingly head for the exits, younger Americans, who say they have no religion, are far less likely than previous generations to join a church. But a new nationally representative study from […]
US report urges congregations to aid family caregivers
RNS A new report on family caregivers details how congregations can play a role in supporting the increasing number of members caring for elders. “Whether their care journey feels like a roller coaster, the deep end, or a long marathon, family caregivers are at risk of emotional, financial, and spiritual exhaustion as they balance both […]
ESSAY: WHY CHURCHES SHOULD NOT MEASURE THEIR GROWTH AGAINST THE ECONOMIC BOOM
In an article first published on Religion News Service, ARTHUR E FARNSLEY II, associate director of the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI, looks at why, despite the financial advantages of megachurches, smaller churches remain important in the US…
US: CONGREGATIONS SHARE, SACRIFICE DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports from the US…
ESSAY: HOW SAFE IS YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP?
CHRISTOPHER P SCHEITLE, of West Virginia University and JEFFERY T ULMER, of Pennsylvania State University, look at what their research reveals about congregations in the US in this article first published on The Conversation…
US: MULTI-RACIAL CHURCHES INCREASE AS BLACKS, WHITES LEARN TO WORSHIP TOGETHER
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on the rising numbers of multi-racial churches in the US…