Episcopal Diocese of Newark Faces Uncertain Future
Episcopal Diocese of Newark Faces Uncertain Future
Closing parishes, declining membership, financial losses and fear of merging on minds of clergy and laity
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
January 10, 2010
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark faces an uncertain future with significant membership and financial decline being reported. Fully one third of the diocese has part time clergy (with the trend continuing). Parish leaders and laity are unable to articulate a five year vision.
A "Listening Campaign report" filed by the diocese questioned the need for full time clergy at $100,000 per package, with numerous churches functioning with interims or involved laity. More parishes will close owing to aging congregations with no young people. Churches that were town centers have lost that position and now feel alienated.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
Closing parishes, declining membership, financial losses and fear of merging on minds of clergy and laity
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
January 10, 2010
A "Listening Campaign report" filed by the diocese questioned the need for full time clergy at $100,000 per package, with numerous churches functioning with interims or involved laity. More parishes will close owing to aging congregations with no young people. Churches that were town centers have lost that position and now feel alienated.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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