To help the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song as it works toward the development of a new hymnal, Research Services surveyed a sample of pastors, music leaders, and members in congregations using the current denominational hymnal.
- from the July/August 2009 edition of Presbyterians Today magazine.
In a previous column I examined how births (and their absence) have affected membership size in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It’s time to give the other end of the life cycle its due.
- from the September 2009 edition of Presbyterians Today magazine.
Results from a late 2008 survey provide a recent snapshot of Presbyterian opinion on homosexuality and ordination.
- from the October 2009 issue of Presbyterians Today magazine.
The number of Presbyterians has been declining slowly but steadily in recent decades. Let’s look at concurrent changes in the number and size of congregations.
- from the November 2009 issue of Presbyterians Today magazine.
When do Presbyterians worship? The stereotype is 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings. While there is some truth to that, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
- from the December 2009 issue of Presbyterians Today magazine.
Some people are bothered when our surveys ask about their political preference or other social characteristics. We’re a church, right? Why ask about something unrelated to religious belief or practice? The answer, as these results show, is that it is impossible to separate faith from other aspects that make us who we are.
-from the January/February 2010 issue of Presbyterians Today magazine.
The Catholic Church may have fewer nuns than in the past, but American society has a lot more “nones”—people who express no religious preference. Here are some findings about this group.
- from the March 2010 edition of Presbyterians Today magazine.
This report, adopted by the 209th General Assembly, provides a remarkable understanding of peacemaking and justice issues in the Middle East.
In response to a General Assembly action this guide (2005) was produced by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and the Worldwide Ministries Division to call attention to the continent of Africa. It offers six sessions with a wealth of material appropriate for adult, older youth, session and other study groups.
This study stimulates reflection and discussion on just war and other principles of conscience concerning the military action in Iraq.