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Bucking National Trend, Diocese of South Carolina Experiences Growth in 2011 |
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At a time when the Episcopal Church is experiencing serious decline, (with a projected loss of an estimated 27,000 members in 2011*) the Diocese of South Carolina experienced growth. Average Sunday attendance as well as membership, communicants, and parish giving all reflect an increase over 2010, according to the parochial reports received from its parishes.
“This growth brings glory to our Lord and witnesses to the faithful ministry of the priests, deacons and laity within this diocese as they share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina, when presented with the figures.
Average Sunday attendance in the Diocese increased 10.8% from 11,086 to 12,286. In comparison, the average Sunday attendance in the Episcopal Church USA was projected to show a decline of slightly less than 12,000, or about -1.8%.
Total Plate and Pledge income in the Diocese increased from $25,679,383 in 2010 to $27,873,631 in 2011, an increase of 8.5%. Total Plate and Pledge income for the Episcopal Church was projected to increase .9% over the same period.
An indicator of diocesan or parish health, the total number of Communicants jumped 22.8% in 2011 from 21,966 in 2010 to 26,976.
Communicants are defined as “all baptized members of the reporting congregation who ‘have received Holy Communion at least three times during the preceding year’ and are faithful ‘in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented,’ and ‘in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.’”
Total baptized membership in the Diocese increased from 29,196 to 29,443, showing a modest .8% increase. During the same period total baptized membership in the Episcopal Church USA is expected to show a decline of 27,000 or -1.4%.
The one area that did not show an increase in the Diocese was Confirmations. There were 477 confirmations in 2010 and only 419 in 2011.
“Overall the trend is one for which we give thanks,” said Diocesan Administrator, Nancy Armstrong, in presenting the numbers.
View the 2010-2011 parochial report comparison.
* Figures for the Episcopal Church USA are taken from the Kirk Hadaway Report, June 21, 2012, found on the Episcopal Church website.
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