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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

Faithful Journeys in France: Trials and Triumph

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Faith Facts

  • A missionary journey to France highlighted the faith and endurance required during unexpected challenges.
  • Christian communities in France are reviving old monasteries and convents for ministry and education.
  • Personal stories of perseverance underscored the importance of prayer, fellowship, and God’s provision.

Before dawn in Chartres, France, weary travelers navigated the medieval city’s sidewalk detours while seeking their rideshare to the airport. Street repairs and roadblocks made the journey difficult, but the sense of partnership and prayer offered encouragement.

“Hello, I am your driver,” the driver assured in a message, confirming arrival before a tense wait ended with successful pickup.

A friend’s suggestion led to this journey, focusing on churches restoring abandoned monasteries and spreading Christian outreach across France. Each visit testified to the persistence and hope within God’s family, despite language barriers and physical setbacks.

Acts of kindness from locals helped the travelers overcome obstacles, reminding them of how God provides through others. Personal challenges, such as illness and injury, were met with gratitude and faith that God opens doors and sustains His children during trials.

This trip showcased believers in France dedicating renewed spaces for ministry and learning. Even amidst the exhaustion of travel, the reassurance of God’s guidance brought comfort and strength.

“Please stay put,” the traveler requested, trusting language and intentions would be understood in a foreign land.

In every challenge, faith, prayer, and Christian fellowship reminded these travelers—and readers—how God works through perseverance and trust.

Read more about Christian journeys in France at Christian Chronicle.

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Faith

European Parliament Prayer Breakfast Unites Christians

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Faith Facts

  • Over 550 Christian leaders and parliamentarians gathered for the 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels.
  • The event emphasized prayer, fellowship, and unity, with each attendee praying the Lord’s Prayer in their native language.
  • The European Evangelical Alliance facilitated sessions on Christian advocacy and biblical integrity, encouraging a courageous evangelical voice.

Christian parliamentarians and leaders from across Europe assembled in Brussels for the significant 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast, focusing on prayer, fellowship, and collaboration firmly rooted in biblical values. The event’s humble cafeteria setting brought believers together to seek God’s guidance for Europe amid today’s challenges.

“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” Janet Epp Buckingham shared.

The European Evangelical Alliance welcomed leaders from many countries, emphasizing unity in Christ and intentional networking for greater impact. Strategic discussions and prayer reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Christian witness and encouraging action for the common good.

The Prayer Breakfast continues the vision of Europe’s founding Christian leaders, prioritizing relationships and sacrificial love modeled after Christ’s teachings. Let us remain steadfast, praying for leaders to act with courage and biblical conviction as they serve Europe in these pivotal times.

Read the full article at Christian Daily

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Isaiah 41:10 Leads Global Scripture Surge

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Faith Facts

  • YouVersion named Isaiah 41:10 as its most engaged verse for the fourth time in six years.
  • Global Bible Month in November drove record-breaking Bible engagement on the app.
  • YouVersion’s Bible App family surpassed one billion installs, offering Scripture in more than 2,300 languages.

God’s Word is reaching hearts worldwide as millions turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance, especially amid anxious times. Isaiah 41:10’s enduring message of divine strength and presence continues to reassure believers across the globe.

“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone.”

Bobby Gruenewald, Founder and CEO of YouVersion.

YouVersion’s historic November marked the highest Bible engagement yet, with over 19 million people opening the app on a single day and a 19% increase in daily use compared to the previous year. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspired enduring habits of daily reading, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual truth.

On January 1, more than 3 million individuals subscribed to year-long Bible reading plans, while Holy Week sparked a surge in prayer creation and scripture sharing. Unusual patterns of increased weekly engagement from late August through November highlight a global movement of spiritual awakening.

“We’re witnessing a global movement.”

Bobby Gruenewald.

“People are hungry for what’s real and true… These numbers represent millions of changed lives.”

Bible engagement soared in every region, with remarkable rises in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America. Top search topics on the app included “love,” “anxiety,” and “peace.”

Each second this year, believers completed Bible Plan days and interacted with verse features in ways that reflect a thriving global Christian community. Anchored in faith, YouVersion continues to equip families to read God’s Word daily, promoting biblical values and unity across cultures.

Stay rooted in Scripture and help spread God’s truth by sharing this resource with your community.

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