How Are Southern Baptists Perceived
This summer, the Center for Missional Research partnered with Zogby International to conduct a poll of 1,210 adults. Respondents were asked if their impression of Southern Baptists is very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable. Some respondents said they were not familiar with Southern Baptists and others were not sure of their impressions.

Overall, Southern Baptists were viewed favorably (combining very and somewhat favorable) by 57 percent of adults interviewed. Unfavorable impressions were reported by 17 percent, and 24 percent were not familiar with Southern Baptists. The following chart shows how Southern Baptists compare with other denominations or faith groups. Southern Baptists, Catholics, and Methodists don't differ greatly--they have a generally good public perception. Muslims and Mormons are similar in that they do not have a good perception.

Since 9/11, the recipients of church giving have changed – surveys have registered a 12 percent increase in giving to international aid agencies since 2001, with much of that increase coming from religious groups.

Roman Catholic Bishop John M. D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend can’t directly attribute it to Sept. 11, but giving for special appeals for disaster relief is up – way up – post-9/11. Parishes contributed more than $650,000 for victims of the Southeast Asia tsunami and $750,000 for those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he says. By contrast, $60,000 is considered “a good appeal,” he says.

Between 1985 and 2004, the share of Canadians aged 15 and older reporting no religious affiliation increased by seven percentage points from 12% to 19%.

• Together, the proportion of adult Canadians who either have no religious affiliation or do have a religion but don't attend religious services increased from 31% to 43% over this period.
• The percentage of Canadian-born 15-59 - year olds with no religious affiliation or not attending religious services has increased from 33% in 1985 to 48% in 2004.
• While only about one-third (32%) of adult Canadians attend religious services at least monthly, over one-half (53%) engage in religious activities on their own at least monthly.
  
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