Nationally, the Great Recession has taken its toll on organized religion, but exceptions exist in some places, and South Carolina is one of those.
In the Palmetto State denominations are reporting stable attendance rates, even some growth; and while giving is down, South Carolina congregations have not been hurt as badly as others….
The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, with 72 active churches in the lower part of the state, has been growing steadily since 1990, according to Nancy Armstrong, assistant treasurer.
Church operating income did not grow in 2008, likely because of a terrible fourth quarter, she said.
The diocese is projecting an 11 percent decline in operating income for 2009, from about $34.4 million the year before to $30.95 million, Armstrong said, calling the change a reflection of the general economy. “We have not seen a discernible drop in Sunday attendance,” she added.
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From the Local Paper: In South Carolina Churches doing fine
Nationally, the Great Recession has taken its toll on organized religion, but exceptions exist in some places, and South Carolina is one of those.
In the Palmetto State denominations are reporting stable attendance rates, even some growth; and while giving is down, South Carolina congregations have not been hurt as badly as others….
The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, with 72 active churches in the lower part of the state, has been growing steadily since 1990, according to Nancy Armstrong, assistant treasurer.
Church operating income did not grow in 2008, likely because of a terrible fourth quarter, she said.
The diocese is projecting an 11 percent decline in operating income for 2009, from about $34.4 million the year before to $30.95 million, Armstrong said, calling the change a reflection of the general economy. “We have not seen a discernible drop in Sunday attendance,” she added.
Read it all.