Research and Markets: 2012 Report on US Religious Organizations - 330,000 Establishments with Approx 160 Million Members

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f98c6a/religious_organiza) has announced the addition of the "Religious Organizations" report to their offering.

Religious organizations in the US and Canada include more than 330,000 establishments with about 160 million members, according to the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Large churches include Catholic, Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sizes of individual congregations vary greatly.

Religious organizations count billions of followers worldwide. The largest groups include Christian (33 percent of world population), Muslim (21 percent), and Hindu (13 percent), according to the CIA World Factbook. Among Christians, Catholics are the most numerous, accounting for 17 percent of world population.

Competitive Landscape:

Demand is driven by consumers' desire for spiritual growth, guidance, inspiration, and by demographics -- older Americans are more likely to attend church than younger ones. The profitability of a church depends primarily on the congregation's ability to attract members who can provide financial support. Large congregations have advantages in their ability to offer more programs and activities. Small congregations can compete effectively by maintaining stronger connections with members. About one-quarter of Americans say they attend services once a week or more, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Religious congregations are similar to charitable organizations, in that they solicit money in various ways to fund charitable and educational programs, often called missions or ministries.

Key Topics Covered:

Industry Overview

Quarterly Industry Update

Business Challenges

Business Trends

Industry Opportunities

Call Preparation Questions

Financial Information

Industry Forecast

Web Links and Acronyms

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f98c6a/religious_organiza

Source: First Research