(Inquirer) Eastern Pennsylvania Churches struggle with declining congregations

Posted by Kendall Harmon

While the public eye is focused on the troubles of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia - which announced Friday that it would close four high schools, and shutter or merge 44 elementary schools - the struggles of St. James Episcopal and Leiper Presbyterian are illustrative of the demographic trends that likewise have battered mainline Protestant congregations.

"Across the board, it's increasingly tough sledding," said David Roozen, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, which studies trends in faith life.

The congregations often face dwindling membership and aging buildings. Finances are shrinking, no thanks to the floundering economy, and that hinders the offering of programming that can attract young families, Roozen said.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Churches • Presbyterian

8 Comments
Posted January 10, 2012 at 11:34 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. Shumanbean wrote:

Increasingly tough sledding, indeed!

January 10, 1:59 pm | [comment link]
2. TomRightmyer wrote:

St. James Prospect Park ASA 80 income 100K. Article says Rev. John Wallace to be part time rector. Clerical Directory 2009 has John Robert Wallace born 1953, Seminary of the Southwest 2003, ordained 2004 Bishop Wright of Delaware, served Central Gulf Coast 2004-.  I’ll be interested to hear developments and will pray for priest and parish.

January 10, 5:30 pm | [comment link]
3. Cennydd13 wrote:

I remember when back in the ‘50s, my family lived in Ridley Park.  I was in junior high school, and several friends were parishioners there. 

The parish was a vibrant community then, and we attended some of their social functions, but I couldn’t help getting the feeling that they were a parish which left the impression that the Episcopal Church was the Church of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich.  That impression stuck with me until fairly recent times, when things began to change…...and not always for the better, as we all know by now.

It’s so sad to see just how far a once-great and respected Christian church has fallen

January 10, 7:43 pm | [comment link]
4. rwkachur wrote:

Ironically, as we have seen in other places, ACNA folks would probably be able to get a good deal from Rome on the closed properties than from TEC….

January 10, 8:12 pm | [comment link]
5. TomRightmyer wrote:

According to parish web site previous rector was Trinity graduate.

January 10, 8:36 pm | [comment link]
6. MichaelA wrote:

Hmmm, so public subscription raised $24,000. But how often can they do that? Because if they can’t maintain enough committed parishioners to keep up a certain level of income, they are just going to end up in the same place again.

January 10, 9:49 pm | [comment link]
7. DeoVolente wrote:

I’ve been a member at St. James’ for several years, and I think it is safe to say that we’re doing quite well now. Most of the problems stemmed from a bad pairing of the parish and previous rector. Once he left however, many people have returned, and the financial situation has greatly improved. We have a great part-time rector, who by God’s grace, crossed our path! Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we continue in our ministry. The many bumps we have faced have seemed to give us a greater dependence on God, and a united congregation excited about the future!

January 11, 5:56 pm | [comment link]
8. MichaelA wrote:

That sounds very positive, DeoVolente. You are in our prayers.

January 12, 6:05 am | [comment link]
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