United Methodist Church reports increases in giving, new attendees

EVANSTON, USA - Despite the recession and falling donations for some charities, the United Methodist Church said giving to general funds last year totaled $171.3 million, up from $153.9 million for 2000.

Beyond that, the church's finance agency reported, the 8.4 million Methodists gave $17.5 million to an ongoing offering in response to terrorist attacks. It's part of $32 million for the denomination's Committee on Relief, which funds charitable work in the United States and overseas.

Church treasurer Sandra Kelley Lackore said this "remarkable demonstration" of faithfulness resulted in part from work by regional conferences and local congregations.