Duke University recently completed its National Congregations Study (also conducted in 1998 and 2007). From the report, the joint meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the Religious Research Association revealed that churches of all types are increasingly diverse and more welcoming than before.

The National Congregations Study surveys a nationally representative sample of approximately 1,300 congregations from all over the United States. It aims to contribute to knowledge about American congregations by gathering information about a wide range of their characteristics and programs. The full report will be released later this year.