Congregational survey released
DURHAM, N.C. — Findings for the National Congregational Study are now available, Duke University’s Professor of Sociology Mark Chaves announced.
Chaves, whose concentration is in religious studies and divinity, serves as the director of the study.
The extensive report, “Religious Congregations in 21st Century America,” covers every imaginable category with regard to congregational life. One thing to note from the data gathered through surveys is that “in just six years, the number of congregations whose leaders said that gays and lesbians could be full-fledged members increased from 37 percent to 48 percent.”
The report also stated, “Increasing acceptance of gays and lesbians is of course one of the most well-known public opinion shifts in recent years. This change also seems to be happening at a remarkably fast pace within religious congregations.”
However, there is disparity when one goes deeper into the statistics obtained. Some denominations tend to be more inclusive, while others are not.
To read the entire document, visit soc.duke.edu/natcong/Docs/NCSIII_report_final.pdf.
Chaves welcomes suggestions for future analyses, reports that might build on these findings or involve deeper exploration.
info: soc.duke.edu/natcong. today.duke.edu/2015/12/chavesstudy.
Foundation opens scholarship apps
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Point Foundation has announced that its 2016 scholarship application is now open.
LGBT students can receive funds to further their higher education if selected.
Deadline is Jan. 19, 2016.
Eligibility consists of: enrollment or acceptance at a U.S. accredited college or university for the fall of 2016; full-time enrollment for the full academic year; degree-granting undergraduate or graduate/doctoral program track; engaged as a high school senior; and identify as an out LGBT individual.
More information and application process is available online.
info: pointfoundation.org.
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