Young adults of all faiths have similar needs, wants, study finds

Published: 2005-06-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Whether they are Christian, Jewish or Muslim, young adult professionals want a faith community that makes them feel valued, a worship experience that moves them and learning opportunities that allow them to question, a panel of young adult scholars said June 1. In a presentation at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington on "Congregations That Get It: Understanding Religious Identities in the Next Generation," the panelists spoke about their recent study on how faith communities in major U.S. cities have successfully integrated young adults. "There's an expectation that people will go through this 'black hole'" of separation from religious institutions after college, and then return after they marry and have children, as many in earlier generations did, said Tobin Belzer, a Jewish scholar and author. But as more young adults pursue postgraduate education and tend to marry later, "we don't really know if that will happen," she added.

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