Mainline Denominations

“Through the [Wesleyan Covenant Association], they are connected to other like-minded congregations for community and encouragement,” he explained. “They receive analysis of the issues facing the UM Church and advocacy through the WCA on those issues.” - Christian Post

“In February… the delegates voted to uphold the denomination’s stance labeling homosexuality “’ncompatible with Christian teaching’ …. Another measure passed at the special session was Petition 90066, which allowed for a more gracious dismissal for congregations opposed to the UMC’s official position.” - Christian Post

“The Right Reverend Bruce Myers, Anglican Bishop of Quebec who introduced the motion at General Synod, explained to The Christian Post in an interview on Thursday that the prayer was created by the Prayer Book Society of Canada with input from the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus.” - Christian Post

“The action was part of a prayer vigil for migrant children and their families during the ELCA Churchwide Assembly this week at Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Center.” - RNS

“In findings released earlier this month, the survey found that 44 percent of respondents identified as ‘Conservative-Traditional,’ 28 percent identified as ‘Moderate-Centrist,’ 20 percent identified as ‘Progressive-Liberal,’ and 8 percent identified as ‘unsure.’” - Christian Post

“A pacifist wouldn’t make a good general. And an atheist shouldn’t be a pastor. At least, that’s what you would think…. The leadership of the United Church of Canada has settled a years-long controversy by voting to allow Reverend Gretta Vosper, a self-proclaimed atheist, to keep her post as lead minister at West Hill United Church in Toronto.” - CPost

“Mainline Protestantism is in many ways what critics of Evangelicalism wish it would become. And yet the Mainline, comprised primarily of the ‘Seven Sister’ historic denominations, has been in continuous free-fall since the early to mid-1960s. Its implosion accelerated after most of these denominations specifically liberalized their sexuality teachings over the last 20 years.”

“On Wednesday (Oct. 3), the National Council of Churches — which boasts 38 member denominations with 40 million members — unveiled a sternly worded statement demanding Kavanaugh withdraw from consideration.” - RNS

“The rising toll is evident in rural, urban and suburban churches across the state. St. Paul’s On the Hill Episcopal Church on prestigious Summit Avenue was recently sold to a developer after more than a century of religious service. Bethany Lutheran Church in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis held its “holy closure” ceremony last fall. St. Michael Catholic Church in West St. Paul celebrated its last mass 18 months ago. Mainline Protestant churches have been hit the hardest.

Mainline Protestant seminaries are facing an existential crisis after a decade of mounting red ink. Enrollment has fallen by nearly 25% over the past decade, according to the Association of Theological Schools, an accrediting agency.