What is the fastest growing religion?

RR

Charisma News Service, September 20, 2002 edition

A new study has revealed Pentecostal churches to be among the fastest-growing denominations, experiencing double-digit growth nationally from 1990 to 2000. According to "The New York Times," "Religious Congregations and Membership: 2000" found that the Assemblies of God was the third fastest-growing denomination, increasing 18.5 percent or 2.6 million since the last survey in 1990.

Released Tuesday by a Roman Catholic research group, the study discovered that "conservative Protestants" gained while "moderate" and "liberal" Protestants continued to suffer an exodus of membership.

"I was astounded to see that by and large the growing churches are those that we ordinarily call conservative," said Ken Sanchagrin, director of the Glenmary Research Center (GRC) and a professor and chairman of the department of sociology at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C. "And when I looked at those that were declining, most were moderate or liberal churches. And the more liberal the denomination, by most people's definition, the more they were losing."

Conducted every 10 years by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies and published by GRC, the survey looked at more than 150 Christian and non-Christian groups.

The fastest-growing religious group in the last decade was the Mormon Church, boosting its national membership by 19.3 percent to a total of 4.2 million. Southern Baptists remained the largest Protestant denomination with 19.9 million, but registered just 5 percent growth nationally.

Edited by - RR on 21 September 2002 23:11:14

Mulan

In our area, there was a survey done on growth in religions. Our state, Washington, has the lowest church attendance in the U.S. Oregon is second lowest. That was surprising since it seems like the churches in our area are packed on Sundays.

Jehovah's witnesses declined to give their numbers (the newspaper article said this) but the fastest growing religion in our area is the Catholics (36%), then Assembly of God (25%), then Mormons (18%). (that is a 10 year percentage of increase in numbers)

The survey included input from 149 religious groups, which included most of the major denominations. But Christian Scientists, Jehovah's Witnesses and some of the major black Christian groups did not participate in the study.

Experts attributed the Northwest's lack of religious core to a "frontier" tradition of settlers who shed ties to organized religion when they came West. They also said the area's secular environment has helped evangelical churches grow, while foiling efforts by mainline groups -- the oldest Protestant groups in the country -- to hang onto their members.

Mom was there when we were talking about it, and was disappointed they didn't have JW numbers. She said she was sure the KH is full too. (she listens on the phone link) I told her the local congregation is about 40 for each meeting (I have a spy), and that they probably didn't give their numbers because they aren't growing. Suddenly she had to go back to her room. (her typical response to unpleasant conversation)

Edited by - mulan on 21 September 2002 23:34:37

plmkrzy

from an earlier thread

I heard something interesting on the religious news update. channel 40 out of costa mesa ca. The latest survey indicates that pretty much all-religious sects are dropping in members except the evangelical churches such as Mormons etc. They are on the rise in popularity. The summary of this study indicates that the majority of people around the world are looking for, or are at least joining, more restrictive and demanding religions. Then it was left open after that for anyone interested to form his or her own opinion as to why.

I thought it was interesting anyway. I expected the opposite