In 2020, the number of American adults affiliated with a church, synagogue, mosque, or other denomination fell below 50% for the first time. What is driving this departure from traditional religious communities? Is this a reaction to politicized religion, a result of increasing secularism, a move to a more eclectic or non-institutional approach to religiosity?
What do we lose when we move away from communities of believers? What are the implications for the religious freedom of denominations, religious schools, religiously affiliated charitable organizations, and other religious institutions? For some, institutional religion is seen as problematic, if not harmful. How can those of us who are part of religious institutions be both true to our beliefs and more welcoming to those who are unlike us or unsure whether to belong? How can we strengthen our society through the communities where we worship and practice our beliefs? Join us as we seek to learn together about the challenges and opportunities facing religious communities in the 21st century.