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The article below describes different perspectives on the impact of the November policy regarding same sex couples and their children. In short, some claim that resignations have gone through the roof regarding the new policy, while the church, and outside groups claim there has been no such wave of resignations when you compare to historical cycles and figures. It also gives the church’s estimated activity rate at 40% in US, 25% outside of US, and 30% roughly, on a global basis. How that compares to other churches I don’t know. My take on this article is that resigning doesn’t do much to change anyone’s mind at the top. About one tenth of one percent of the membership resign every year (this may include excommunications for cause, I am not sure). So that is hardly a voice worth noticing, I’m afraid, by the upper leaders. But I do empathize with people who feel to resign in order to put traumatic experiences behind them, emotional healing and other reasons that generate individual well-being — independent of trying to make a point.
http://www.sltrib.com/home/4535962-155/mass-exodus-from-mormonism-lds-stats It’s a good article, and I think those of use here recognize the facts. It’s easy to figure out what the activity rate in your own ward is. find the total number on the records and count the number of butts in the pews on Sunday. Ours is about 35% (but I have access to the quarterly reports which makes it even easier). The one stat I think is skewed a bit, and which seems to be more often cited of late, is the number of stakes/wards/branches. That’s an easy number to increase by simply creating or splitting stakes, wards, and branches, and it does seem there has been a push in recent years to have smaller, more manageable units.
A 35% activity rate seems fairly normal in our area. It has been at that level for a long time. I haven’t seen or heard of a mass exodus. Every area is different. I don’t even hear any discussion about the new policy. I wish we would discuss it.
A bit related, RadioWest on Wednesday night had the subject of The Story of the Mormon LGBT PolicyAnd last night they shifted to the Effect of the policy
The Effect of the Mormon LGBT PolicyI have not listened to them as I was working deep into the night last night. But I do want to hear the topic discussed.
LookingHard wrote:I have not listened to them as I was working deep into the night last night. But I do want to hear the topic discussed.
Yes, I was “working” late last night, too. Go Cubs go!
Here are the numbers on the extent to which people in general, active and somewhat active Mormons support the November policy regarding children of gay parents. http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/4541799-155/year-later-support-for-mormon-gay The pie charts say it loudly, so I won’t summarize it — one click and a quick view of the chart and you’ll see the trend — active people tend to support it, and support for the policy declines dramatically the less active respondents are.
I really like the analysis done by Kendall Wilcox. https://bycommonconsent.com/2016/11/05/policy-reactions/ What I like about his analysis is that it agrees with my own 😆 Basically, he indicates that people who believe in the authority of the prophet and apostles by giving them unwavering support, will support the 11/15 policy. Smaller groups of people either reject it (and their moral authority along with it) or become changed believers who are less supportive of the moral authority of the church leaders.
His distinction between ecclisiastical authority and moral authority is interesting. This is because it shows that the Prophet and Apostles have ecclesiastical authority over policy and doctrine, but their exercise of this authority is not always in harmony with moral principles.
Cool article…
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