Poll finds church membership continues downward trend
Faithful attend the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Jan. 28, 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Results of a Gallup poll released March 29 show that just 47% of U.S. adults belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque in 2020. This is the first time the percentage has dropped below 50% in Gallup s eight decades of doing this particular poll. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)
By Dennis Sadowski • Catholic News Service • Posted April 1, 2021
(CNS) While fewer than half of American adults responding to a recent poll said they are members of a church, synagogue or mosque, the findings do not necessarily mean that people have lost faith in God, a pair of church observers said.
Poll finds church membership continues downward trend in 21st century catholic-sf.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from catholic-sf.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A woman reads the Bible before Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington March 11, 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Results of a Gallup poll released March 29 show that just 47% of U.S. adults belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque in 2020. This is the first time the percentage has dropped below 50% in Gallup s eight decades of doing this particular poll. (CNS/Tyler Orsburn)
Cleveland While fewer than half of American adults responding to a recent poll said they are members of a church, synagogue or mosque, the findings do not necessarily mean that people have lost faith in God, a pair of church observers said.
Church likely to undergo a transformation in the post-pandemic era
Students walk toward St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University near Philadelphia March 11, 2021. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth)
By Chaz Muth • Catholic News Service • Posted March 16, 2021
WASHINGTON (CNS) The churchgoing experience may be different once the threat of COVID-19 is minimized and church experts are forecasting fewer Catholics overall in the pews.
Fewer people attending church will require a radical restructuring of parish life in many parts of the U.S. in the post-pandemic era, said Matthew F. Manion, faculty director of the Center for Church Management at Villanova University near Philadelphia.
(Scott Graham/Unsplash)
CatholicPhilly.com staff report • Posted March 10, 2021
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has renewed its partnership with Villanova University’s Center for Church Management to offer an innovative two-year, online Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree designed to provide students with skills in effective church management.
Those working for any parish or ministry of the archdiocese who are interested in the pursuing the degree can receive a $14,700 scholarship – 50% of the tuition – thanks to Villanova’s benefactors.
“The Master of Science in Church Management program is designed to equip students to be responsible leaders and stewards for the church in the complex landscape of the 21st century,” said Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.