\u201cSpiritual but Not Religious: Living Faith in the World Today\u201d is the theme of the 7th annual Progressive Brethren Gathering on Nov 7-9, hosted by Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are the Progressive Brethren? Progressives are people who are open to new possibilities and directions that God\u2019s spirit may be leading,\u201d explains an announcement of the gathering. \u201cWe embrace the gifts of diversity, hospitality, intellectual pursuit, honest engagement, and creative worship.\u201d The event is a joint venture of several organizations including the Open Table Cooperative, the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, and Womaen\u2019s Caucus.<\/p>\n
The event will address current statistics and survey results indicating a growth in the population of the \u201cnot religiously affiliated\u201d and those who consider themselves \u201cspiritual\u201d but not \u201creligious.\u201d \u201cBetween 1990 and 2010, the number of Americans who claimed to have no religious affiliation more than tripled, from 14 million to 46 million. This makes the so-called nones–individuals who respond to questions about their religious affiliations with \u2018none\u2019–the fastest growing \u2018religious\u2019 group in the United States,\u201d said the announcement. \u201cSo what does this mean for the church? What does this mean for Progressive Brethren?\u201d<\/p>\n
The keynote speaker for the gathering is Linda A. Mercadante, professor at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and author of \u201cBeliefs Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but Not Religious.\u201d<\/p>\n
The registration deadline is Oct. 15. Hotel blocks and special rates are available from three local hotels. Members of the Stone Church also are willing to host participants in their homes at no charge. A limited number of scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance to attend. Please contact the Progressive Council at webmaestra@progressivebrethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n