Provides information on historical background, doctrine, organization, and membership for each of more than two hundred twenty-five religious bodies in the United States. Completely revised for use in the 1990's this reference book is widely recognized as the most accurate, objective, and comprehensive source of information about America's religious denominations. This new tenth edition offers updated information on more than 200 religious groups in the United States -- their historical background, doctrines or main teachings, and governmental organization. Included are statistics on the number of churches and church members and information about church-related schools and institutions. The volume now contains a new introductory article and a new format to identify large denominational families to help readers find information more quickly. A list of denominational headquarters, a glossary of terms, general and denominational bibliographies, and an index add to the usefulness of this volume. The most reliable and definitive reference book in the field, the Handbook is and essential resource for seminary students, clergy, laity, librarians,, journalists, newspaper editors, researchers, teachers, and anyone seeking authoritative information on religious life in America.
