Pasadena Church Hosts Conversation on Younger Americans Leaving Religion

All Saints Episcopal Church holds discussion with Bishop and author about declining religious participation.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California is hosting a conversation with a local bishop and author to discuss the trend of younger Americans leaving organized religion. The event comes at a transitional time for the historic parish, which is currently in a rector search and preparing to host the consecration of the diocese's eighth bishop in July 2026.

Why it matters

The discussion aims to provide insight into the broader societal shift away from traditional religious institutions, particularly among younger generations. As churches nationwide grapple with declining membership and participation, understanding the factors driving this trend is crucial for religious leaders seeking to adapt and remain relevant.

The details

The conversation will feature Bishop Taylor, who is set to retire in October 2026 after reaching the church's mandatory retirement age, and a local author who has written extensively on the topic of declining religious affiliation in the United States. They will explore the various social, cultural, and demographic forces contributing to the exodus of younger Americans from organized religion.

  • The event is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
  • Bishop Taylor is set to retire in October 2026 after reaching the church's mandatory retirement age.
  • All Saints Episcopal Church is currently in a rector search and preparing to host the consecration of the diocese's eighth bishop on July 11, 2026.

The players

Bishop Taylor

The retiring bishop of the local diocese who will participate in the discussion.

All Saints Episcopal Church

The historic Pasadena parish hosting the conversation on the decline of religious participation among younger Americans.

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What’s next

The consecration of the diocese's eighth bishop is scheduled for July 11, 2026, following Bishop Taylor's retirement in October of that year.

The takeaway

As churches nationwide grapple with declining membership and participation, understanding the factors driving the exodus of younger Americans from organized religion is crucial for religious leaders seeking to adapt and remain relevant in the changing societal landscape.