New Gay/Lesbian Consumer Online Census Released

A new survey jointly conducted by GLCensus Partners, Syracuse University, and OpusComm gives an interesting snapshot of gay religious life in the U.S. -- and demonstrates the impact of MCC congregations on the GLBT communities.

Many gays belong to a specific religious group or denomination, but fewer are practicing their religion a recent survey reveals.

More than 6 out of 10 (63.7%) respondents say they are affiliated with a particular religion -- though only 38 percent say they are active, practicing members. The largest segment is Catholics (17.2%), although only 29.5 percent of those members say they are practicing. Six percent of respondents say they are atheists and almost a third (30.3%) say they have no religious preference.

The 2002-2003 Gay/Lesbian Consumer Online Census is the largest and most comprehensive GLBT consumer study ever conducted. The annual study fills the growing need among manufacturers and service providers for detailed information on consumer behavior and preferences of the GLBT community.

Among the survey's findings:

-- 64% of gay people in the U.S. claim affiliation with a religious group or church.

-- 38% of the gay community are active, practicing members of a religious group or church.

-- MCC was ranked #3 out of the top 10 religious groups for gays, based on affiliation. Roman Catholic was #1, Methodist was #2 -- Episcopal was #4.

-- MCC was ranked #2 in terms of active participation by gays who claim a religious affiliation. 79% of people who are affiliated with MCC also actively, regularly participate in MCC church programs and services -- double the national US. average for the gay community. For comparison purposes, 58% of gay Episcopalians are active, 39% of gay Presbyterians are active in their church, and 29% of gay Catholics are active.

You can read the entire survey results on-line at GLCensus-08062003. MCC Headquarters staff will provide further analysis of the survey in late September.