In The Faith - A Chronicle of the Christian Faith

Giving by church members increased in 2001 for both internal operations and activities beyond the local church level, a new study by the Christian organization empty tomb has found.

Giving as a percentage of income increased for total contributions from 2.63 percent in 2000 to 2.66 percent in 2001, based on data from a group of denominations the organization has studied since 1968.

Sylvia Ronsvalle, co-author of the study with her husband, John Ronsvalle, said the findings indicate that church giving was generous in the year when the nation was rocked by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“The data suggests that church members continued to support their congregations even during a year of social upheaval,” she said in a statement. “The upturn in benevolences may suggest that church members chose to help victims of the 9-11 tragedy through their church structures.”

[Full Story @ Star Telegram]

Source: Star Telegram

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