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As a credit union professional, United Way board member, and active lay leader in several parishes, I've been seeing many sides of the economic impact.  Without a doubt, people are hurting, and I doubt there is anyone who has not been directlly impacted by the economy.  Church budgets are flat or down, but I'm not seeing people leaving congregations.  Smaller churches operating close to the line are really feeling the pressure, though.  Attendance actually seems to be increasing as people refocus of what matters in their lives.  Individuals, families, and communities seem to be having fundamental conversations about the role of money and material blessing in their lives.  In the long run, I think that's a very healthy thing.  In the FI world, saving has increased dramatically and demand for borrowing is down as people back away from consumerism.  That, too is healthy in the long term.  In terms of giving, both in church and in workplace campaigns, it appears that the number of folks contributing is down slightly, but levels are flat or even increasing. In other words - those who still have the resources are stepping up and giving more, likely due to sensitivity for those they see around them who are so negatively impacted.   I can't shake the feeling that we're in the birth pangs of a new way of building economies, markets, and community.

In January there is an international theological conference focusing on Building an Ethical Economy,  hosted by Trinity Institute of New York.  Seems to relate directly to this question / thread.

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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