The role of churches - 0 views
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Non-attenders and attenders share some common ground regarding the role of the churches in society. Both groups see churches primarily as moral guardians and helpers of the poor and needy. They are also seen as being important providers of opportunities for public worship and a range of social services. Expectations differ, however, between attenders and non-attenders in relation to the churches’ role in providing meaning or direction: attenders across all denominations place great importance on such a role, whereas for non-attenders it has a low priority.
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Aaron Peters on 27 Mar 14Identify one way people who attend church and those agree about the role of the church in society and one way they disagree.
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Differences between age groups in perceptions about the roles of the churches raises the question as to whether the priorities of attenders will shift in future. We do not know whether attenders, as they grow in age and develop in faith, will come to adopt similar priorities to those of today’s older attenders or whether, because of the vast social changes that have influenced their formative years, will always see the role of churches differently. The very different approach of younger Catholics, compared to younger Anglican and Protestant attenders, adds complexity to this issue. However, it is quite possible that the churches in Australia may well face an ongoing re-evaluation of core functions, as young attenders become leaders.