March 22, 2001 | Read Time: 2 minutes
By DEBRA E. BLUM
Churches, mosques, and synagogues play a bigger role in delivering social
services than previously estimated, according to a sweeping study of congregations. But a report on the survey results said it was “disturbing” that many groups lack the infrastructure to do even more.
The report, based on what has been described as the largest study ever of congregational behavior, was released last week just as the Bush administration appeared to be putting the brakes on its plans to make more government money available to faith-based organizations that provide social services.
Many congregations “are willing to fight for issues of social justice, and to develop appropriate outreach ministries,” the report says. “Since many are lacking in financial resources, they would seem excellent candidates for government supported ‘charitable choice’ programs of social concern.”
The report does point to at least one significant factor, however, that may hamper many congregations’ efforts to do more, even if more money were available: their size. The report says that half of the estimated 300,000 to 350,000 religious congregations in this country have fewer than 100 regularly participating adults. One-quarter of the congregations have fewer than 50 active members.
The report is based on information provided last year by 14,301 congregations, representing 41 denominations and faith groups. The study was coordinated by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary, in Connecticut, with support from the participating denominations and a $764,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment, in Indianapolis.
Nearly nine out of 10 of all congregations, the report says, provide opportunities for their members to perform community service. That represents more than the number of congregations that sponsor choirs, prayer groups, or theological study programs.
In addition, the report says, more than eight out of 10 congregations operate or support programs that provide food to the needy; more than six out of 10 support thrift shops; and nearly half support counseling programs.
A congregation’s size, location, and religious affiliation have some bearing on how broadly the group is involved in outreach programs, the report says. Urban congregations, for example, are more likely to provide services in their neighborhood than those in rural areas.
Copies of the report, “Faith Communities Today: A Report on Religion in the United States Today,” are available for $15 each from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford, Conn. 06105; (860) 509-9543; fact@hartsem.edu; http://fact.hartsem.edu.
