Episcopal Church statistics don't look good - "Catholic lite" just doesn't sell as well anymore

See this one-page statistical summary at the Episcopal Church Web site, saying among other things that, over the past five years:

• average Sunday attendance (ASA) is down 16%
• active baptized membership is down 10%
• 55% of parishes have seen their ASAs decline by 10% or more
• 18% of parishes have seen their ASAs increase by 10% or more
• the increases in plate-and-pledge contributions have been less than inflation

(Hat tip: Kendall Harmon.)

Why this trend?  Here's my hunch (and that's all it is):  

1. Americans are constantly reminded to be prudent consumers, to critically assess what they're offered. 
2. What TEC has to offer these days is, mainly:  a questionable Catholic-Lite theology that has some obvious holes in it; a puffed-up pride that we continue to use a variation on a monarchical-bishop model of governance; and a risible claim of universality.
3. To modern consumers, TEC's offering doesn't have quite the same appeal as some of the more streamlined church "packages" out there, with minimal theology and high entertainment value. 
4. Recall that "none of the above" is one of the fastest-growing religious choices in America. 

Comments

[Fr Craig]

TQC - I've been pondering this for some time. I was in business finance and corp. law for 20 years prior to ordination. I agree we are after 'consumers,' but disagree that they are looking for any type of theology. Statistics on the growth of huge 'non-denominational' churches (usually fundamentalist in disguise) and their almost frantic efforts to give the consumers whatever they want demonstrate to me that young seekers just want a place to gather, be entertained and make friends in a 'religious' setting. Nothing wrong with that, although I argue that 'all about me' emphasis is antithetical to Christ's Gospel. We are a 'niche' church, sacramental, liturgical, great music, etc. It seems to me that those things will speak to a goodly number of young folks (and likely to soon-to-retire boomers who are not currently religious), but it will not to all. My answer: be the best Episcopal church we can and do a ton of ministry - that catches peoples' eyes.

[D. C. Toedt]

Fr. Craig, I think we're on the same page. My point was that a lot of traditionalists seem to think we'd draw more people if only we'd preach The One True Faith. The data suggest they're overly optimistic.