Alban Institute closes
One of the main institutions providing continuing education and advice to mainline Protestant leaders has announced that it will shut its doors.
Since it was founded four decades ago, the Alban Institute has assisted mostly mainline congregations through its consulting and publishing programs. Founder and former president Loren Mead became well known for his speaking and writing about the future of U.S. denominations and was one of the first to predict denominational decline.
“When I started as a parish pastor, I found there wasn’t much help or continuing education,” said Mead, a retired Episcopal priest. “I am glad I have been able to contribute to the church, but I have not been able to solve its turnaround.”
