How will the Great Recession affect religion in America?
I think religious institutions are hurting–even ones in affluent neighborhoods. People are losing their jobs and no longer able to pay hefty membership fees and religious school tuitions. Investments in plant that hadn’t already been committed are probably being dialed down. Demand for clergy services is probably on the upswing as individuals and families try to cope in this recession. Churches probably are getting more proactive to help their out of work community members find jobs through networking groups, etc. I would imagine that most churches are seeking out regional and national funding to help support their members’ needs. I bet many churches are reluctant to lose members just because they no longer can afford to pay. As a result, the revenue stream that churches had been able to depend on decreases. Moreover, many of the major benefactors in the community have been hard hit by the depressed market and are contributing less to the church’s charitable programs. Nevertheless, I
