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Episcopal Church Faces Ongoing Decline in 2024

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Faith Facts

  • The Episcopal Church did not report a total membership count in its 2024 data, breaking with prior years.
  • Baptisms reached 19,624 in 2024, a significant drop from over 28,000 a decade ago.
  • Total parishes and missions declined to 6,707 in 2024, down from 6,754 last year.

The 2024 Parochial Report from the Episcopal Church shows a continued downward trend in baptisms and parishes nationwide. Over 94% of congregations participated, yet the church withheld an overall membership number, citing confusion in data collection.

Attendance rose slightly, with more than 413,000 attending services, including an increase in online participation, but this is still well below earlier levels. The church reported that median membership age is 60, and most members are white.

The denomination’s financial report in 2024 revealed for the first time this decade that expenses exceeded income. The Episcopal Church, like many others, has faced prolonged membership decline and challenging trends linked in part to its progressive theological positions, which have led to departures among longtime members.

“It depicts a church that appears to be dying,” reflected Kristine Stache in a notable warning about the future, as quoted by Episcopal News Service.

Rev. Sean Rowe, recently installed as presiding bishop, emphasized unity in his installation address: “We need to become one church. We are one church in Jesus Christ.”

Faithful believers are called to uphold biblical truth and pray for renewal within church communities, recognizing that true spiritual growth is rooted in Christ’s teachings and enduring commitment to biblical values.

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Faith

Faith-Driven Guidance for AI in Missions

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  • The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
  • The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
  • Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.

Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.

The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.

“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”

Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.

“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”

It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.

“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”

The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.

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Faith

Tanzanian Churches Urge Peace After Election Unrest

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Faith Facts

  • The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
  • Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
  • The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.

Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.

Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,

“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”

He further stated,

“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”

The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.

Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.

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Supreme Court Denies Kim Davis Marriage Case

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Faith Facts

  • The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
  • Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
  • Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.

“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.

Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.

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