wfn.org | Episcopal News Service Brief

[ENS@ecunet.org]

2001-129

News Brief

International survey may provide 'snapshot of faith'

     (ENI) A census-style survey of more than two million church members in four 
countries may provide a "snapshot of the faith" and help church leaders plan for 
the future.

     The International Church Life Survey is being distributed in New Zealand, 
England, the United States and Australia. The core questionnaire contains 50 
questions seeking basic demographic information but also attitudes on the role of 
women in the church, sexuality, indigenous issues and the role of the Bible.

     Participants will also be asked whether they believe they are growing in the 
faith, how they share their faith with others and how they relate to their church 
community. Individual congregations and denominations may add questions of their 
own to the core survey.

     The survey was distributed April 29 to about half-a-million in the United 
States and a similar number in England. About 850,000 Australians and almost 
300,000 New Zealanders received the survey May 20. A total of 17,300 
congregations in 18 denominations will participate.

     The results "will give individual congregations and church leaders three 
major vitality factors: how well do we interact with the community; how well are 
we attracting people into our congregations; and how are people growing in faith 
and belonging," according to Dr. Dean Drayton of the Uniting Church in Australia.

     "We should get a picture of the range of responses to the grace of God in 
the present-day context," he added. "It will be a mission resource that will 
guide congregations in taking steps forward, as well as a resource for decision-
makers and a reference point for the media."