Center for Social Research

Preliminary Analysis for Clergy and Public Affairs Survey 2009

Final analysis has begun for 2009 Clergy and Public Affairs Survey concerning political beliefs and clergy practices from ten denominations. This year's survey continues a series of post-presidential election surveys conducted since 1980 for the Southern Baptist Convention and since 1988 for other denominations. Answers to frequently asked questions about the survey and a list of denominations can be found here.

CSR student Research Assistants were an integral part of the data collection process, stuffing thousands of envelopes inviting clergy to participate in either online or printable versions of the survey. Research Assistants also entered over 1,500 paper surveys to add to the more than 1,200 online surveys submitted.

Comparative demographic information from 2001 and 2009 post-election surveys (excluding PCUSA data for early analysis) shows that gender, ethnicity, and community size reported by participants have not changed significantly since 2001, but age of respondents has increased. Nearly 61 percent of respondents in 2001 fell into the category of 34 to 54 years of age. In 2009, only 48 percent fell into this category, and the category of 55 and older experienced a growth of 12 percent, making nearly 46 percent of respondents fall into this category.

In the following table, we see that the clergy seem to be leaning toward a theologically orthodox viewpoint. In 2009, clergy reported consistently higher percentages of agreement on the following measures of theological conservatism. However, clergy agreeing with the statement concerning Christ’s physical second coming have decreased by 1 percent. Perhaps the most interesting change is the increase from 2001 to 2009 in both Evangelical and Mainline clergy in total agreement with the statement “Adam and Eve were real people” by 8.2% and 12.6% respectively. Evangelical denominations consist of the Assemblies of God, Southern Baptists, the Christian Reformed Church, the Lutheran Missouri Synod, and the Mennonites. Mainline denominations consist of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Methodist Church, the Disciples of Christ, and the Reformed Church of America.

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“Community-Based Reforms of the Justice System”

CSR is pleased to sponsor a presentation by David LaGrand, Calvin graduate and current Grand Rapids City Commissioner.  Long interested in social justice issues, Commissioner LaGrand’s resume includes a law degree, working in the prosecutor’s office, and volunteering in the prison ministry program. A founder of the Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) and advocate of the Restorative Justice approach to misdemeanors, including a “Fast Track Accountability Program” (FTAP), Commissioner LaGrand will discuss his part in reforming our local justice system.

Join us for information and a conversation about restorative justice in Grand Rapids:

Meeter Center Lecture Hall Thursday, November 19, 3:30 p.m.

“Clergy: Pay and Performance”

How does the interaction of faith and economic activity affect religious organizations? Becky Haney, Assistant Professor of Economics at Calvin College will present the results of her research in this area. Her specific research interests include an examination of the theological and economic implications for the clergy labor market as well as comparaing and contrasting the free market with the mission of Christian denominations.

CSR invites you to take part in the discussion:

Thursday October 22, 2009 3:30 p.m., Meeter Center Lecture Hall Calvin College

CSR Student Research Assistants

Going into the 2010-2011 school year, the CSR's newest research assistants are seniors Zig Ingraffia and Debora Velis Guzman. Our relatively new team continues to show its talent and potential in a wide variety of research specializations. To learn more about these positions, visit our employment opportunities page.

Tony Ditta Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI Year at Calvin: 3rd Majors: Economics & Mathematics Minor: Computer Sciences Favorite research software: Stata
Kelsey McCallops Hometown: Hudson, Ohio Year at Calvin: 3rd Major: Psychology Favorite research software: Inquisite
Debora Velis Guzman Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador Year at Calvin: 4th Major: Economics Minor: Business Favorite research software: Undecided
Zig Ingraffia Hometown: Irvine, California Year at Calvin: 4th Major: Psychology Minor: English Favorite research software: NVivo

More about KCCS canvassing

KCCS is on Calvin’s home page today, thanks to Allison Graff—have a look.