News
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Faith at a Distance: How Online Tools Can Encourage Real-Life Integration & Access
Tuning in to the locally livestreamed chapel meant I could participate in a communal moment, while my baby slept and my body healed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
It’s not all about self care: Community justice ministry and relational organizing to enhance clergy wellbeing
I find street parking and hustle towards the door with my phone, keys, paper calendar, and a half-finished ceramic mug of coffee. I make my way into the sanctuary, following the sound of gentle laughter, and find a seat in the circle amongst local faith leaders–colleagues
Monday, August 31, 2026
Allison Norton named director of Hartford Institute for Religion Research
Allison Norton has spent her career asking the questions religious communities are already asking themselves — from Ghanaian diaspora churches in Los Angeles to immigrant-majority congregations navigating the pandemic. Now, as she steps into the role of director at the Hartford Institute for Relig
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
What I see every Sunday before worship: a church becoming something new
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of EPIC. By Rev. Jordan Parker There is a moment every Sunday, just before worship begins, when I stop whatever I'm doing and look around the sanctuary. I didn't always do this.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
How Scott Thumma Accelerated Journalism: An Appreciation
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald When scholars increase what’s known about a topic, they often rely heavily on tools of the academic trades. From their tool belts come articles in peer-reviewed journals, classroom courses and advising for future peers. As a sociologist of religion, Dr. Scott Thumma use
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Most churchgoers keep faith contained to Sunday, new research finds
Millions of Americans attend church every week. For many, much of their religious and spiritual engagement ends when the worship service does, according to new research from the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC) project at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. For a sma
Friday, April 24, 2026
New research finds first rise in U.S. congregation attendance in 25 years, but recovery remains uneven
HARTFORD, April 24, 2026 — For the first time in 25 years, median in-person worship attendance at U.S. congregations has increased, according to new research from the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC) project at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Pandemic disruption and resilience: reflections on religious education in a small urban congregation
In our church community, pre-pandemic, we had a small number of young children attending services. Our congregation was made up primarily of young adults, young professionals and married couples. We were part of the 12% of churches described as not having children's programming due to limited number
Sunday, March 29, 2026
The Antidote to Despair: What Faith communities Offer a Divided World
My conviction – my experience – is that faith communities have a particular capacity, skill, and calling to offer the antidote that we need today.