Topic
Mainline Protestants
Mainline Protestantism, consisting of the Congregational, Presbyterian, and Episcopal denominations, used to be a dominant force in American life, both in terms of church membership figures and cultural prestige. Since the mid-20th century, however, the mainline has increasingly jettisoned traditional Christian teachings in favor of social activism, with the consequence that both membership figures and cultural prestige have undergone a precipitous decline. Today, mainline denominations are frequently riven by conflict between progressive and traditionalist factions, which battle over property rights, theological and political stances, mission statements, and control of leadership posts.
Turning the Mainline Around
New sociological studies show that evangelicals may well succeed at renewing wayward Protestantism
August 1, 2003
The Spirit Hasn't Left Mainline (Part 1 of 3)
A forum on why and how we should save denominations.
August 11, 1997
More on Mainline Protestants
Catholics and Baptists Together
The recent synod of bishops sounded notes Protestants can sing.
February 13, 2013
The End of Nominal Protestantism
What does the rise of the religiously unaffiliated mean for the future of mainline denominations?
December 10, 2012
What's Driving Evangelical Enthusiasm?
Data shows growing Catholic-evangelical "intensity gap"—but it doesn't indicate exactly why.
November 30, 2012
Episcopal Church Approves Same-Sex Blessing Rites
The move comes after Presbyterians and Methodists retained the denominations' definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
July 11, 2012
The Course of Christian Zionism
A new book surveys the surprising shifts in evangelical and mainline Christian attitudes toward Jewish statehood.
June 26, 2012
Joy in the Midst of Terror
How Andrew White's Baghdad congregation brings God's love to a war-torn land.
July 28, 2011
Youth Movement: Finns Seek Renewal
Lutheran leaders want to push out young conservatives.
July 21, 2011
Renewal Groups Strategize after the PC(USA) Drops Celibacy Clause for Gay Clergy
Churches discuss future paths since the votes came in for the Presbyterian Church(USA) to open the door to ordaining non-celibate homosexuals.
June 24, 2011
Bishop's Move: Rowan Williams's Latest Firestorm
A leading British evangelical comments on the Archbishop of Canterbury's turn as guest editor of 'New Statesman.'
June 14, 2011
Katrina Volunteers Continue, Even When it Costs Them
Volunteers remain willing to donate time and labor, even if it means that they have to pay.
June 1, 2011
The Road to Gay Ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The denominational battle has been going on for decades. The historical record is much older.
May 12, 2011
Q & A: Michele Bachmann on Cuts for Aid Relief, Obama's Faith and Credibility, and Francis Schaeffer
The Tea Party caucus chair talks to CT about recent military actions in Libya, why she opposes governmental steps to combat global warming, and her potential presidential candidacy.
April 14, 2011
Proselytizing in a Multi-Faith World
Why mutual respect and tolerance require us to witness for Christ.
March 28, 2011
Priest Pressured to Give Up Muslim Lent
The Rev. Steve Lawler faced being defrocked if he continued to practice Islamic rituals for Lent.
March 21, 2011
Share Sacred Spaces?
Observers discuss whether churches should lend worship space to other religions.
March 17, 2011
Whatever Happened to Amazing Grace?
Why John Newton's famous hymn failed to win, place, or show.
March 8, 2011
The Hymns That Keep on Going
The 27 worship songs that have made the hymnal cut time and again.
March 7, 2011
Egyptian Christians Reflect on Moment in History
Born and baptized in blood, the Church in Egypt is hardly a newcomer to hardship, notes Egypt's Anglican bishop.
February 11, 2011
Why We Opened Our Church to Muslims
A response to "Muslims in Evangelical Churches."
January 27, 2011
Pro-life Challenges, from a Former Planned Parenthood Director's View
Abby Johnson takes her eight years of experience in an abortion clinic to the pro-life side.
January 12, 2011
Boarding Bust: Schools for Missionary Kids See Lower Attendance
Recent reports of child abuse overshadow another trend.
December 27, 2010
Interview: Condoleezza Rice's Faith Context for Foreign Policy
How faith guided the former secretary of state's life from the segregated South to dictating the nation's foreign policy.
December 20, 2010
Evangelical vs. Mainline Politics
A new study suggests that evangelical pastors have been more likely to take public stances and candidates than their mainline cohorts.
November 22, 2010
The Apostle of the Golden Age
Classics scholar Sarah Ruden says extraordinary things happen when you read Paul alongside other ancient literature.
September 22, 2010
Finding Christ Throughout — and Beyond — Scripture
We need both J. I. Packer's and the Orthodox Presbyterians' approaches to hear Christ speak.
September 16, 2010
'The Gospel Makes the Everyday Possible'
70-year old Duke theologian Stanley Hauerwas explains his new memoir, addresses his critics, and explains why he says, 'We're all congregationalists now.'
September 9, 2010
Facing Lutheranism's Crisis of Authority
Seven theologians call North American Lutheranism back to the Word and the Lutheran confessions.
September 8, 2010
Be Fruitful and Multiply?
Observers weigh in on whether Christians have a special responsibility to have children.
July 26, 2010
'Something Better Than Revival'
Buenos Aires pastors believe their city of 13 million should have only one church.
June 25, 2010
Life in Those Old Bones
If you're interested in doing mission, there could hardly be a better tool than denominations.
June 11, 2010
Pastor With No Tongue Still Has a Lot to Say
The Lutheran pastor believes that he's been able to reach more people than if he had not had cancer.
May 27, 2010
Mainline Protestantism: Numbers Count, but Prestige Matters More
The Christian Century did not attain its "most important organ of Protestant opinion" reputation on the basis of sheer numbers. That reputation rested instead on the magazine's successful bid to identify itself with a Christian intelligentsia defined by education, professionalism and progressive orientation (Elesha Coffman, The Huffington Post)
Talk Grows of Liberal Exodus from UMC
Since last spring’s General Conference, there has been an unprecedented mushrooming of talk of liberal exodus from the United Methodist Church. For all of the surrounding frustration, that landmark event in Tampa, Florida was an apparent turning point in the struggle for the soul of our global denomination. (Juicy Ecumenism)
Mainline Protestants not going quietly
As flocks shrink, denominations that once defined America fight to stay relevant with new ways of reaching out. (OC Register)
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