The meeting marked a transition from gathering data to using it, he said. Analysis of the extensive data will occupy scholars for months, even years. Carl Dudley, project co-director, led conversations among researchers, educators and communication specialists about ways that local groups will study themselves in the light of the FACT findings. This will be the most powerful use of the data. Dudley is professor of church and community, Hartford Seminary, and co-director of the seminary's Center for Social and Religious Research.
Incomplete returns indicate that youth participation is also surprisingly high.
The coalition that developed and conducted the survey includes mainline, Pentecostal, Evangelical, independent and mega-church Protestants, as well as Catholic and Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Baha'i and others. During plenary sessions, many speakers remarked on the inclusive nature of the gathering. Researchers and educators from the 40 faith groups have been working on the project for about five years. The FACT data will help faith groups develop strategies and programs that also can be based on U.S. Census statistics. Congregations and other religious organizations will be able to study the FACT data within zip-code geographic areas.