My congregation, Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church, has changed from a membership of 380 in the 1950s to an attendance of 35 nowadays. Analyzing the steady drop in church attendance is difficult, and your editorial (“The Great Resignation — from church,” Nov. 4) made a sincere attempt. Another side of the coin is to explain why some congregations are experiencing almost no decline. It seems that in many of these so-called “Bible” and evangelical gatherings, there is a subtle element of visceral faithfulness — not to the gospel itself but to their organizational identity. It’s a brand that’s being worshiped.

And whatever the challenges may be, a vigorous defense is mounted. Secular politics matters massively; children’s and youth ministries are heavily resourced; regular attendance is a priority; closely connected charities deserve generous support. But these “mission actions” actually focus on loyalty to the system. I see guilt as the currency that oils these institutions, and what’s ironic is that the talk is of liberty and religious freedom, when the very opposite is their foundation. Old Testament ethics rule, and Jesus’ radical teachings are downplayed.

Our progressive churches are laboring at discerning the Spirit’s guidance; this is a vastly more difficult endeavor and leaves many Christians nervous. But this will surely be the path to a true discipleship that many, and the younger ones among us especially, will find appealing.

Karl Dick, Waterloo, Ont.