NEW YORK — Since the start of the pandemic, in-person church attendance dropped a staggering 45% nationwide, according to an ABC analysis of churches across more than 3,000 U.S. counties from cellular phone data provided by Safegraph.
"The phenomenon of 'pancake church' thrived during the pandemic -- eat pancakes and watch church on TV," said Dr. Brent Taylor, senior pastor at First Baptist Church at The Fields in Carrollton, Texas.
"Attendance was smaller at the beginning and these numbers have risen to where we currently are to pre-pandemic level but we are still also offering virtual services," Taylor added. Furthermore, the data showed there were differences in attendance within the counties with different predominant religious affiliations. Ten small Southern counties -- and the nation's only predominantly Black Protestant counties -- lost 62% of its in-person worshipers during the nearly two-year period. That was the largest attendance loss among counties with a majority of worshippers of a particular religious affiliation.
"Pastors are feeling the impact of this pandemic and they're just being driven to a point of exhaustion, both mentally and emotionally," said Rhone. For those seeking to return to in-person services, new variant-fueled surges are compelling religious leaders to evaluate how to gather safely. Some worship leaders have implemented mandate masks, social distancing and limits on the number of people who can attend in-person. Others have their choir members get tested prior to singing their hymns on Sunday morning and others are installing systems to improve ventilation in their sanctuaries.
"Church is a reminder of people that have died because you don't see them next to you in the pew," said Dr. Green, CEO of Family Christian Health Center in Harvey, Illinois.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Covid-19: Two more Covid-related deaths and 485 in hospitalThe total number of deaths linked to the virus reported by Stormont's Department of Health is 3,197.
Weiterlesen »
Utah reports 627 new COVID-19 cases Thursday; 5 new deathsThe Utah Department of Health on Wednesday reported 627 new COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths.
Weiterlesen »
COVID-19 pandemic forces a nationwide reckoning for American churches on how to safely reopen
Weiterlesen »
Ohio reports single-day increase of 1,330 new COVID-19 casesAs of Saturday, the Ohio Department of Health said 2,652,634 coronavirus cases have been reported since the start of the pandemic.
Weiterlesen »
Utah reports 425 new COVID-19 cases Friday; 11 more deathsThe Utah Department of Health on Friday reported 425 new COVID-19 cases since the day before and 11 more deaths.
Weiterlesen »
New CDC Covid-19 metrics drop strong mask recommendations for most of the countryMost people in the United States live in areas where those who are healthy do not need to wear masks indoors, according to new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance -- a sweeping change from what earlier Covid-19 metrics recommended.
Weiterlesen »