CATEGORIES:
BiologyChemistryConstructionCultureEcologyEconomyElectronicsFinanceGeographyHistoryInformaticsLawMathematicsMechanicsMedicineOtherPedagogyPhilosophyPhysicsPolicyPsychologySociologySportTourism
Religious InformationCensus of Religious Groups in the U.S. Source: 1987 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches The 1987 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches reported a total of 142,926,363 members of religious groups in the U.S.—59.3 percent of the population; membership fell half a percent from the previous year. Comparisons of membership statistics from group to group are not necessarily meaningful. Membership definitions vary e.g., Roman Catholics count members from infancy, but some Protestant groups count only "adult" members, usually 13 years or older; some groups compile data carefully, but others estimate; not all groups report annually. The number of churches appear in parenthess. Asterisk (*) indicates church declines to publish membership figures; (**) indicates figures date from 1977 or earlier. Group Members Adventist Christian Ch. (368) ..................... 28,830 Primitive Advent Christian Ch. (10) ........... 546 Seventh-day Adventists (4,009) .............. 651,954 American Rescue Workers (20) .................. 2,700 Anglican Orthodox Church (40) ................... 6,000 Baha'l Faith (1650) ....................................... 100,000 Baptist churches: Amer. Baptist Assn. (1,641) ........................ 225,000 Amer. Baptist Chs. in U.S.A. (5,814) ........ 1,559,683 Baptist General Conference (753) ........... 132,546 Baptist Missionary Assn. of America (1,367) . 227,720 (1,140) ...................................................... 225,000 Duck River (and Kindred) Assn. of Baptists (85) ............................................................. **8,632 Free Will Baptists (2,548) .......................... 217, 838 Gen. Assn. of Regular Baptist Chs. (1,571) .. 300,839 (11,398) .................................................... "2,668,799 Natl. Baptist Convention, U.S.A. (26,000) "5,500.000 Natl. Primitive Baptist Convention (606).... "250,000 No. Amer. Baptist Conference (258) ........ 42,863 Seventh Day Baptist General Conference (60) ....................................... 5,008 Southern Baptist Convention (36,898) ..... 14,477,364 Brethren (German Baptists): Brethren Ch. (Ashland, Ohio) (122) ........ 14,229 Christian Congregation (la Follette, IN) (1,441) ...................................................... 103,990 Fellowship of Grace Brethren (301) ................... 41,733 Old German Baptist Brethren (52) ........... 5,254 Brethren, River: Brethren in Christ Ch. (185) .................................. 16,783 Buddhist Churches of America (100) ........... 100,000 Christadelphians (850) ................................ "15,800 The Christian and Missionary Alliance (1,646) ......................................................... 227,846 Christian Catholic Church (4) ....................... 2,500 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (5,487) ......................................................... 1,051,469 Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (2,340) .. 718,922 Christian Nation Church U.S.A. (5) ............... 226 Christian Union (114) .................................. 6000 Churches of Christ (13,150) .......................... 1,604,000 Churches of Christ in Christian Union (260) 11,400 Churches of God: Chs. of God. General Conference (353) . 34,870 Ch. of God (Anderson, Ind.) (2,291).......... 185,593 Ch. of God (Seventh Day), Denver, Col. (135)........................................................... 5,830 Church of Christ, Scientist (3,000) Church of God by Faith (105)........................ "4,500 Church of the Nazarene (4,989) .................. 522,082 Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (163) ........................................ 28,624 Group Members Eastern Orthodox churches; Albanian Orth. Diocese of America (10) .. 5,250 American Carpatho-Russian Orth Greek Catholic Ch. (70) ................................... "100,000 Antiochian Orth Christian Archdiocese of No. Amer. (120) ............................................... 280,000 Diocese of the Armenian Ch. of America (66) ............................................. "450,000 Bulgarian Eastern Orth. Ch. (13) ............... "86,000 Coptic Orthodox Ch. (28) .......................... 115,000 Greek Orth. Archdiocese of N. and S. America (535)............................................ 1,950,000 Orthodox Ch. in America (440) ............... 1,000,000 Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orth. Ch. in the U.S.A. (38).................................................... 9,780 Romanian Orth. Episcopate of America (34) . 60,000 Serbian Eastern Orth. Ch. (78) ............................ 97,123 Syrian Orth. Ch. of Antioch (Archdiocese of the U.S.A. and Canada) (22) ............................. 30,000 Ukrainian Orth. Ch. of America (Ecumenical Patriarchate) (28) ................................................ 25,000 Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the U.S.A. (107)........... :............................................. "87,745 The Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. (7,274) __ 2,739,422 American Ethical Union (Ethical Culture Movement) (23) ............................................. 3,500 Evangelical Church of North America (138) ______ 12,591 Evangelical Congregational Church of America (566).............................................................. 85,150 Evangelical Free Church of America (880) . 95,722 Evangelical associations: Apostolic Christian Chs. of America (80).. 16,916 Apostolic Christian Ch. (Nazarean) (48) . 2,799 Christian Congregation (1,441) ................. 103,990 Friends: Evangelical Friends Alliance (217) ............... 24,095 Friends General Conference (505) ........... 31,600 Friends United Meeting (536) .................. 57,443 Grace Gospel Fellowship (52) ...................... 4,400 Independent Fundamental Churches of America (1,019) ............................................. 120,446 Jehovah's Witnesses (8,220)......................... 730,441 Jewish organizations: Union of Amer Hebrew Congregations (Reform) (804) ........................................ 1,300,000 Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (1,700) ....................................... 1,000,000 United Synagogue of America (Conservative) (800)........................................................... 1,250,000 Latter-day Saints: Ch. of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites) (53) ....... 2,654 Ch. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) (8,396) ..................................... 3,860,000 Reorganized Ch. of Jesus Christ of Latter Day RELIGION 207
Lutheran churches: American Lutheran Ch. (4,940) .................. 2,332,316 Ch. of the Lutheran Brethren of America (108)........................................................... 11,374 Ch. of the Lutheran Confession (67).......... 8,910 Assn. of Evangelical Lutheran Chs. (272) 110,934 Evangelical Lutheran Synod (116) .......... 19,850 Assn. of Free Lutheran Congregations (156) . 18,205 America (59) ............................................. 13,576 Lutheran Ch. in America (5,817) ................ 2,898,202 Lutheran Ch.-Missouri Synod (5,876)........ 2,638,164 Protestant Conference (Lutheran) (9)........ 959 Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (1,179) ...................................................... 415,389 Mennonite churches: Beachy Amish Mennonite Chs. (83) ....................... 5,862 Evangelical Mennonite Ch. (25) ............................. 3813 General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Chs. (128) ................................................ 16,942 Hutterian Brethren (77) ............................... 3,988 Mennonite Ch. (989) ............................................. 91,167 Old Order Amish Ch. (598) .................................. 34,000 Old Order (Wister) Mennonite Ch (38) ..... 9,731 Methodist churches: African Methodist Episcopal Ch. (6,200) .. 2,210,000 African Methodist Episcopal Zion Ch. (6,057) ...................................................... 1,202,229 Evangelical Methodist Ch. (126) ............... 9,040 Free Methodist Ch. of North America (1,048) . 72,223 Fundamental Methodist Ch. (14)................ 700 Primitive Methodist Ch., U.S.A. (87) .......... 9,978 Reformed Methodist Union Episcopal Ch. 3,800 (18) ............................................................ Southern Methodist Ch. (150) ................................. 7,231 United Methodist Ch. (37,990) ........................ 9,266,853 Moravian churches: Moravian Ch. (Unitas Fratrum), Northern Province (fOO) .......................................... 32,415 Moravian Ch. in America (Unitas Fratrum). Southern Province (56) .............................. 21,714 Unity of the Brethren (27) .......................... 3,006 Moslems ........................................................ 2,000,000 + New Apostollic Church of North America (457) .. 33,068 North American Old Roman Catholic Church (130)........................................................... 62,380 Old Catholic churches: Christ Catholic Ch. (6)................................. 1,269 Mariavite Old Cath. Ch. Province of North America (166) ........................................... 357,927 No. Amer. Old Roman Cath. Ch. (Schweikert) (130)........................................................... 62,380 Group Members Pentecostal churches: Apostolic Faith (Portland, Ore.) (54) ......... 4,100 Assemblies of God (10,761) ............................ 2,082,878 Bible Church of Christ (6) ........................... 4,350 Bible Way Church of our Lord Jesus Christ World Wide (350) .................................... "30,000 Church of God (Cleveland. Tenn.) (5,346) ... 505,775 Church of God of Prophecy (2,051) ..................... 73,952 Congregational Holiness Ch. (174) ...................... 8,347 Gen. Council. Christian Ch. of No. Amer. (104)....................................................................... 13,500 Intl. Ch. of the Foursquare Gospel (1,185) ... 177,787 Open Bible Standard Chs (290) .............. 46,351 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (560) ... "4,500 Pentecostal Church of God (1,142) ........ 89,506 United Pentecostal Ch. Intl. (3,408) ........ 500,000 Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Ch. (130) 10,700 Plymouth Brethren (1,150) ............................. 98,000 Polish Natl. Catholic Church of America (162) .. "282,411 Synod) (172)......................................................... 36,543 Cumberland Presbyterian Ch. (818)....................... 98,037 Evangelical Presbyterian Ch. (100) ......... 27,000 Orthodox Presbyterian Ch. (171) ............ 18,502 Presbyterian Ch. in America (878) ........... 177,917 Presbyterian Ch. (U.S.A.) (11,572) ............ 3,092,151 Reformed Presbyterian Ch. of No. Amer (71) . 5,146 Christian Reformed Ch. in N. America (650) 219,988 Hungarian Reformed Ch. in America (31) 11,000 Protestant Reformed Chs. in America (21) ... 4,544 Reformed Ch. in America (926)............................ 342,275 Reformed Ch. in the U.S. (34) .................. 3,778 The Roman Catholic Church (24,251) ........ 52,654,908 The Salvation Army (1,088) .................................... 427,825 The Schwenkfelder Church (5) ................................... 2,881 Social Brethren (40)..................................................... "1,784 Natl. Spiritualist Assn. of Churches (142) .. 5,558 Gen. Convention, The Swedenborgian Church (49) .............................................................. 2,245 Unitarian Universalist Assn. (948)................. 171,838 United Brethren: Ch. of the United Brethren in Christ (256) ... 26,869 United Christian Ch. (11) ........................................... 421 United Church of Christ (6,408) .................... 1,683,777 Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Chs. (230) .......................... 34,000 Vedanta Society (13) .................................................... 1,500 Volunteers of America (607) ......................... 36,634 The Wesleyan Church (1,714) ....................... 109,541 208 AMERICA IN CLOSE-UP
Italics indicate that area which, generally speaking, most distinguishes that denomination from any other. Denomination Origins Organization Authority Special rites
In radical Reformation objections to infant baptism, demands for church-state separation; John Smyth, English Separatist in 1609; Roger Williams, 1638, Providence, R. I Congregational, I.e., each local church is autonomous. Scripture; some Baptists, particularly in South, interpret the Bible literally. Baptism, after about age 12, by total immersion; Lord's Supper.
of in Ky. (1804) and Penn. (1809), in Christdistress over Protestant (Dis-factionalism and decline of fervor. ciples)Organized 1832. Congregational. "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak: where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent" Adult baptism, Lord's Supper (weekly)
Protestant Episcopal Church in U.S. founded 1789. Bishops in apostolic succession, are elected by diocesan representatives: part of Anglican Communion, symbolically headed by Archbishop of Canterbury. Scripture as interpreted by tradition; esp, 39 Articles (1563); not dogmatic. Tri-annual convention of bishops, priests, and laymen. Infant baptism, Holy Communion, others, Sacrament is symbolic, but has real spiritual effect.
eransGermany, 1517, objected to Catholic doctrine of salvation by merit and sale of indulgences; break complete by 1519. Varies from congregational to episcopal: in U.S. a combination of regional synods and congregational polities is most common. Scripture and tradition as spelled out in Augsburg Confession (1530) and other creeds. These confessions of faith are binding although interpretations vary. Infant baptism, Lord's Supper. Christ's true body and blood present "in, with, and under the bread and wine."
distsmovement, 1738, within Church of England. First U.S. denomination Baltimore, 1784. Conference and superintendent system. In United Methodist Church, general superintendents are bishops—not a priestly order, only an office — who are elected for life. Scripture as interpreted by tradition, reason, and experience. Baptism of infants or adults, Lord's Supper commanded. Other rites, inc. marriage, ordination, solemnize personal commitments
Theocratic; all male adults are in priesthood which culminates in Council of 12 Apostles and 1st Presidency (1st President, 2 counselors). The Bible, Book of Mormon and other revelations to Smith, and certain pronouncements of the 1st Presidency. Adult baptism, laying on of hands (which confers the gift of the Holy Spirit), Lord's Supper. Temple rites; baptism for the dead, marriage for eternity, others.
1054, after centuries of doctrinal disputes and diverging traditions. Synods of bishops in autonomous, usually national, churches elect a patriarch, archbishop or metropolitan. These men, as a group, are the heads of the church. Scripture tradition, and the first 7 church councils up to Nicaea II in 787. Bishops in council have authority in doctrine and policy. Seven sacraments: infant baptisrr-and anointing, Eucharist (both bread and wine), ordination, penance, anointing of the sick, marriage.
loss of evangelical fervor among Methodists and other denominations. Originally a movement, not a formal organization, Pentecostalism now has a variety of organized forms and continues also as a movement. Scripture, individual charismatic leaders, the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Spirit baptism, esp, as shown in "speaking in tongues": healing and sometimes exorcism: adult baptism. Lord's Supper.
Highly structured representational system of ministers and laypersons (presbyters) in local, regional and national bodies (synods). Scripture Infant baptism, Lord's Supper; bread and wine symbolize Christ's spiritual presence.
proselytizing and the conversion of imperial Rome in the 4th century. Hierarchy with supreme power vested in Pope elected by cardinals. Councils of Bishops advise on matters of doctrine and policy. The Pope when speaking for the whole church in matters of faith and morals, and tradition, which is partly recorded in scripture and expressed in church councils. Seven sacraments: baptism, contrition and penance, confirmation, Eucharist, marriage, ordination, and anointing of the sick (unction).
Christrepresenting both Calvinist and Lutheran traditions. Congregational; a General Synod, representative of all congregations, sets general policy. Scripture. Infant baptism, Lord's Supper. RELIGION 209
Ethics Doctrine Other Denomination
Usually opposed to alcohol and tobacco; sometimes tends towards a perfectionist ethical standard. Wo creed; true church is of believers only, who are all equal. Since no authority can stand Baptistsbetween the believer and God, the Baptists are strong supporters of church-state separation.
Some tendency toward perfectonism; increasing action programs. Simple New Testament faith; avoids any elaboration not firmly based on Scripture. Highly tolerant in doctrinal and Church supportive of scholarly education. Christ (Disciples)
Tolerant; sometimes permissive; some social action programs. Apostles Creed is basic; otherwise, considerable variation ranges rom rationalist and liberal to acceptance of most Roman Catholic dogma. Strongly ecumenical, holding talks Epis- Christendom, ians
Generally, conservative in personal and social ethics; doctrine of "2 kingdoms" (worldly and holy) supports conservatism in secular affairs. Salvation by faith alone through grace. Lutheranism has made major contributions to Protestant theology. Though still somewhat divided along ethnic lines (German, Swede, etc.), main divisions are between fundamentalists and liberals. Lutherans
Originally pietist and perfectionist; always strong social activist elements. No distinctive theological development; 25 Articles abriged from Church of England's 39 not binding. In 1968, United Methodist Church Metho- German-speaking groups. UMs leaders in ecumenical movement.
Temperance; strict tithing. Combine a strong work ethic with communal self-reliance. God is a material being; he created the universe out of preexisting matter; all persons can be saved and many will become divine. Most other beliefs are traditionally Christian. Mormons regard mainline churches as apostate, corrupt. Reorganized Church (founded 1860) rejects most Mormon doctrine and practice except Book of Mormon. Mormons
Tolerant: very little social action; divorce, remarriage permitted in some cases. Priests need not be celibate; bishops are. Emphasis on Christ's resurrection, rather than crucifixion; the Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father only. Orthodox Church in America, orginally under Patriarch of Moscow, was granted autonomy in 1970. Greek Orthodox do not recognize this autonomy. Orthodox
Usually, emphasis on perfectionism with varying degrees of tolerance. Simple traditional beliefs, usually Protestant, with emphasis on the immediate presence of God in the Holy Spirit Once confined to lower-class Pente- "holy rollers," Pentecostalism now costalappears in mainline churches and has established middle-class congregations.
Traditionally, a tendency toward strictness with firm church- and self-discipline; otherwise tolerant. Emphasizes the sovereignty and justice of God; no longer doctrinaire. While traces of belief in predestination (that God had foreordained salvation for the "elect") remain, this idea is no longer a central element in Presbyterianism. Presbyterians
Theoretically very strict; tolerant in practice on most issues. Divorce and remarriage not accepted. Celibate clergy, except in Eastern rite. Highly elaborated. Salvation by merit gained through faith. Unusual development of doctrines surrounding Mary. Dogmatic. Roman Catholicism is presently in Roman a period of relatively rapid change Cath- as a result of Vatican Councils I olics
Tolerant: some social action emphasis. Standard Protestant; Statement of Faith (1959) is not binding. The 2 main churches in the 1957 United union represented earlier unions Church with small groups of almost every of Protestant denomination. Christ 210 AMERICA IN CLOSE-UP
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY Religion in America today is built primarily on the structure of Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. Within each of these groups there is great diversity. Among Protestants alone, there are 186 different organizations. Besides the three major groupings of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, there are about 1,500 major and minor sectarian churches. Among these sects are established groups such as the Quakers and Mormons. There are also bizarre groups such as the Holiness Church, which is a snake-handling cult. The degree of religious diversity in America becomes evident when one compares the religious composition of American society with that of its neighbors. Mexico's population is 96 percent Catholic. Canada's three largest denominations, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and the United Church of Canada, account for 86 percent of total membership. To account for 86 percent of America's total church membership, it is necessary to add together 19 separate denominations. The First Amendment to the Constitution prohibits an established national religion and protects the individual's right to practice the religion of his or her choice. Date: 2015-12-18; view: 784
|
Group Members
Major Christian Denominations: How Do They Differ?
Baptists
ChurchAmong evangelical Presbyterians
Luth-Martin Luther in Wittenberg.
Ìîã-In visions of the Angel Moroni by monsJoseph Smith 1827, in New York, in which he received a new revelation on golden tablets: The Book of Mormon
Ortho-Original Christian proselytizing in dox1st century; broke with Rome,
Pente-In Topeka, Kansas (1901), and costalLos Angeles (1906) in reaction to
Pres-In Calvinist Reformation in 1500s; byter-differed with Lutherans over ianssacraments, church government. John Knox founded Scotch Presbyterian church about 1560.
RomanTraditionally, by Jesus who Catho-named St. Peter the 1st Vicar; lieshistorically, in early Christian
UnitedBy ecumenical union. 1957, of
Practice
Worship style varies from staid to evangelistic. Extensive missionary activity.
Tries to avoid any rite or doctrine not explicitly part of the 1st century church. Some congregations may reject instrumental music.
Relatively simple formal liturgy ,vith emphasis on the sermon.
Worship style varies widely by denomination, local church, geography.
Staid service with hymns, sermon. Secret temple ceremonies may be more elaborate. Strong missionary activity.
Elaborate liturgy, usually in the vernacular, though extremely traditional. The liturgy is the essence of Orthodoxy. Veneration of icons.
Loosely structured service with rousing hymns and sermons, culminating in spirit baptism.
A simple, sober service in which the sermon is central.
THREE MAJOR FAITHS