During his visits to various synods and meetings, the Rev. Daniel H. Martins has encountered lots of “gray hair and bald scalps.”
His first tonsorial experience in the capital city? When he introduced himself as the bishop-elect for the Springfield Episcopal Diocese, the person cutting Martins’ hair “asked if Episcopal was Christian.”
“Years ago, there were assumptions you had about baseline knowledge of Christianity,” Martins says. “People don’t know that anymore, particularly younger people.”
[Comment deleted by Elf]
Intercessor
Why do you say such a thing?
Great bishop for Springfield!
I grew up in southern Illinois. Never heard of a TEC church. Judging from the barber’s comment, things have not changed much. +Martins has inherited a tough situation. The diocese is large with too many small churches and not much Money. Had a bad time during 2002 through 2009 with Members down 19.1 percent, ASA down 28.9 percent, and inflation adjusted Plate & Pledge down 14.8 percent. (I ranked the diocese at 77 of 95 considered.) Even more depressing was the 29.4 percent decline in Infant Baptisms and the 28.8 percent decline in Marriages. In 2009, 23 of its 37 churches had ASA of 66 or less and only 10 churches had Plate & Pledge of more than $150K which means that each “rich” church had about 3 “poor” churches to help support. There were 37 Marriages in 2009 which is just ONE per church. And if all of the above is not bad enough, consider the new income tax rates on individuals and companies. Statmann