The Church of England

[Theland]

In my opinion, the declining membership of the Church of England, is due to many factors, but some stand out as being the main reasons why people are staying away. The C o E appears to be trying, and has long done so, to be all things to all men, turning its back on the undiluted true gospel message, and embracing ecumenism, not only with other denominations, but with other faiths. It has embraced social programmes as its main theme, and departed from the authority of scripture, to gain acceptance in the secular world. It has refused to preach unpalatable truths, and become one of the most politically correct institutions in the country. It has some amazing hard working people who do a fantastic job within their communities, involving themselves in all kinds of good works, but I am saddened to see it dying spiritually. So, does the C of E have a future as an evangelising body, or will it continue its drift towards oblivion?

[jake-the-peg]

It's not just the CofE that's in rapid decline. Organised religion in Western Europe as a whole is going the same way.

It's the developing world that keeps it ticking over.

In Catholic France they can't fill the priesthood seminaries and are importing North Africans.

In the UK Pentecostal churches have overtaken Methodists in the "bums on pews" stakes.

The total membership of *All* denominations is now under 10% and will halve again in the next 35 years

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndica tion/article_05095cro.shtml

It's remarkable when the country has special protection for religous education whereas in the US where religious education is legally banned in public schools church attendance is so strong.

[Theland]

Jake - I've just read the link, and that not only confirms what I said, but paints an even worse picture.
It is interesting to not that the Pentecostals who are noted for being more in tune with the scriptures than the C of E, are doing better than the established church.
Maybe a first step to reclaiming its former position, would be for the C of E to actively dispense with its special priveleges as a state religion.

[jake-the-peg]

I don't disagree at all with what you've said.

Just your implication that it's limited to the CofE.

My point is that many if not all churches in western Europe are seeing this and I gave examples of Methodist and Catholic.

The Pentecostal effect has been bouyed up by immigration and a further piece of research showed this to have a half life.

After immigration half of the children of church goers stayed church goers and half again at the next generation etc.

Must be something in the water

[Theland]

Jake - Yes, I agree with your point about Pentecostals and immigration. A good example is K.I.C.C. in London, run by pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, who had to move to bigger premises to accomodate the congregation, that they bus in from outlying areas.
I guess that 90% plus of his congragation are black people, first or second generation immigrants.