Newsline: Church of the Brethren News Service -- June 7, 2007 Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, News Director 800-323-8039 ext. 260 -- cobnews@brethren.org
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MEMBERSHIP DECLINE
CONTINUES
(June 7, 2007) Elgin, IL -- Membership in the Church of the Brethren declined by 1,814 in 2006, according to reports received by the denomination. That represents a decrease of 1.4 percent from the previous year, about the same as the decline in 2005. Total reported membership in the US and Puerto Rico now stands at 127,526.
Denominational membership has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s, as for most mainline denominations in the US. Statistics are collected annually by the "Church of the Brethren Yearbook" published by Brethren Press. The figure does not include Church of the Brethren membership in other countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The Nigerian church is the largest Brethren body in the world.
Sixteen of the 23 US districts reported net membership declines last year, while seven reported increases. The areas of growth in the denomination tended to be in districts west of the Mississippi, however Shenandoah District in the Virginia area had the largest numerical increase, up 89 members. Meanwhile, Atlantic Southeast District--which had the largest percentage increase in 2005--reported the largest percentage loss in 2006, down 8.9 percent or 178 members. Southern Ohio District reported the greatest numerical decline, with a net loss of 371 members. Atlantic Northeast remains the largest district, with 14,860 members at the end of 2006. Missouri/Arkansas District is the denomination's smallest, with 549 total members.
The number of full congregations fell by five, to 1,010, and the number of fellowships dropped from 42 to 39. Church planting, however, resulted in a net increase of five new projects, for a total of 15. Total reported average weekly worship attendance dropped by 1,572 from the year before, to 63,571. The number of baptisms was at its lowest level in decades, with just 1,657 reported. Average per capita giving was $41.
Updated "Yearbook" figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in statistical reports. In 2005, 68.7 percent of the congregations reported, a fairly consistent response to previous years; 69 percent reported in 2004. The "Yearbook" also lists contact information and statistics for congregations, districts, denominational agencies, and related Brethren organizations. The 2007 edition is available from Brethren Press; to order call 800-441-3712.
The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination committed to continuing the work of Jesus peacefully and simply, and to living out its faith in community. The denomination is based in the Anabaptist and Pietist faith traditions and is one of the three Historic Peace Churches. It celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2008. Missions and sister churches are in Nigeria, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and India.
This report was written by Walt Wiltschek, editor of the Church of the Brethren's "Messenger" magazine.
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For more information contact:
Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Director of News Services Church of the Brethren General Board 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 800-323-8039 ext. 260 cobnews@brethren.org
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