The authors of “Theology Matters” concluded that congregations who espouse “liberal” theology are declining and congregations who espouse “conservative” theology are growing.
It is clear that our membership losses continue to be consistent and chronic. There has thus far been no leveling off. The numbers also suggest that we are losing fewer people to dioceses departing than we are to people exiting their local Episcopal church.
Douthat is right in his reminder of the important ways in which liberal Christianity contributes positively to Western culture, but he is wrong in his diagnosis of our decline.