::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

(TSN): A decline in church attendance accelerated in America during the pandemic more than before. Within the Black community, like others there was a rise in online service participation. Some preferred the convenience of the virtual experience and continued after social distancing restrictions were fully lifted. Jason Oliver Evans is a PhD candidate in the religious studies department at the University of Virginia, said among African Americans the decline is at a slower pace than their white, Protestant counterparts.” The expected increase after the nation transitioned back to post-pandemic norms lagged. Lower church attendance has in some cases affected offerings and programs to support the community. Pew Reasearch data from 2023 found a significant attendance drop among Black Protestants that is unmatched by any other major religious group. The number of Black Protestants who say they attend services monthly fell from 61% in 2019 to 46% that year, and they are the only group...