Still others see their understanding of religious authority as a unifying force. Across liberal and conservative, Protestant and Catholic, Christian and non-Christian lines, these three values, when located in favorable social conditions, help contribute to congregational stability, vitality, growth and fiscal health. The convergence of ethnic and religious identities is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, they can be mutually reinforcing. Majority-white congregations with a distinct national identity are especially conscious about their need to increase their diversity.
Sociologists report that denominationalism is declining in significance for congregational identity.
But 62 percent of congregations say they reflect clear expressions of their denominational heritage. With a survey s aura of scientific objectivity, we may forget that congregations are religious associations and their ultimate source of unity and purpose emanates from their relationship to the transcendent. In this regard, the foundational importance of sacred scripture is nearly universal. The Holy Spirit also is acknowledged as a foundational source of religious authority in six of ten congregations, and while creeds, doctrines, reason and personal experience are important for large numbers of congregations, they are acknowledged as foundational in relatively few. Baptists and Muslims are particularly oriented toward scripture.