Summary
The findings from this three-city study point to a much broader
understanding of a congregation’s economic impact than has been
previously acknowledged, either by civic leaders, the faith community,
general public, or through academic research.
Thus, this research represents an important step in a 20-year effort by
scholars and others to better understand the role of religious congregations
and their human, monetary, and physical assets in impacting the social and
financial fabric of communities.
The study, though larger than any previously attempted, also suggests
the need for increased in-depth research to better document and
understand the complex web of factors associated with congregations and
their Economic Halo impact. There are, for example, a range of activities
conducted or enabled by congregations, including touching the lives of
families and individuals as well as direct and indirect support of formal
community development and entrepreneurialism, that have yet to
monetized fully. There are other spheres to more fully explore, including a
congregations’ impact on crime rates and on property values in its
immediate vicinity.
We also acknowledge there may be countervailing impacts—such as
increased traffic or higher demands on city services—due to some activities
described above. However, it is now clear that the positive Economic Halo
Effect is enormous, and demands a response from our civic and faith
leaders that will help sustain this community impact.
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