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Brian Burch
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
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John Yeager
World Vision
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FAITH IN ACTION/HARRIS POLL FINDS PERCEPTION GAP AMONG CHRISTIANS WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE DOING ENOUGH TO HELP THE POOR

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., – Among the key findings of the research, conducted by Harris Interactive, was that two-thirds of respondents believe that their church is already doing enough to help the poor, yet recent census data show there has been no statistically significant change in poverty levels in the United States during the past five years.

Christian organizations World Vision and Outreach commissioned a national study to determine Christians’ attitudes towards helping the poor in their communities. The results of the research were released prior to Faith in Action Sunday, a groundbreaking ministry that invites Christians to close their church doors and mobilize on service projects within their communities.

Faith in Action Sunday takes place on October 11, 2009. 67 percent of respondents, all churchgoing adults, agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “My church already does enough to help the poor in my community.” But current data provided by the United States Census Bureau reveals the national poverty level is 12.3 percent, or 36.5 million Americans, relatively unchanged during the past five years. “These study results expose a discrepancy between Christians who believe they are doing enough and the reality that Christians are not doing enough to help our communities,” said Steve Haas, vice president for church relations at World Vision.

“Faith in Action is designed to be one step towards alleviating the complacency that is afflicting churches across the country, and an effective call to action to follow Christ’s example of compassion.” The study, which polled more than 2,800 adults also reports that 60 percent of respondents “would support their church if it occasionally canceled traditional services in order to donate that time to help the poor in their community.” This indicates a willingness to participate in the bold premise at the center of the Faith in Action (FIA). The program also helps Christians invite members of their community to join in serving. In an expression of hope, two-thirds of respondents said they “wished their church partnered with a non-Christian organization to help the poor in my community.”

Many Christians at 788 churches have participated in a Faith in Action Sunday around the United States. The movement continues on Oct 11, 2009 when many churches nationwide will close their doors and complete their FIA programs with city-wide community projects to help the poor and disadvantaged. Additional information is available at http://www.putyourfaithinaction.org. About Faith In Action Faith in Action is a resource developed by Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision and church communication resources provider, Outreach, Inc. FIA features small group materials and a campaign kit which includes a step by step approach to transforming a congregation and reaching the community. # # #