Church Membership Stats: An Interesting Official Explanation

I was looking for some specific numbers for someone else this evening, and I found the following on lds.org – under the “Basic Facts” tab from the “Facts and Figures” link on the home page. I thought everyone here might be surprised at how the Church officially explains its membership totals. (The bolding is mine.)

According to the National Council of Churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the second-fastest-growing church in the United States. However, despite its increasing numbers, the Church cautions against overemphasis on growth statistics. The Church makes no statistical comparisons with other churches and makes no claim to be the fastest-growing Christian denomination despite frequent news media comments to that effect. Such comparisons rarely take account of a multiplicity of complex factors, including activity rates and death rates, the methodology used in registering or counting members, and what factors constitute membership. Growth rates also vary significantly across the world.

I think the statement is accurate, fair and straightforward, and I honestly was surprised at how much I like it – so I thought I would share it.