The Handbook of Denominations has been recognized as an accurate, objective, and comprehensive source of information on denominational groupings in the United States for over half a century. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated. However, it maintains the accessibility and readability that have been hallmarks of previous editions.<BR><BR>The thirteenth edition presents updated entries on the major Christian denominations in the United States---their historical background, their doctrines or main teachings, and their polity or structure of governance. Included are statistics on the number of churches and church members and information about church-related schools and institutions. The Handbook also treats the major branches of Judaism and Islam that are found in the U.S.<BR><BR>The Handbook features a reorganized division of denominational "families" intended to help readers find information on and understand relationships between churches more quickly. A new introduction on religion in America, lists of church membership in the main ecumenical organizations, charts depicting the historical development of denominations, a directory of denominational headquarters and Web sites, a list of suggested readings, and an index add to the usefulness of the volume.<BR><BR>Clearly the standard in the field, the Handbook of Denominations is an essential resource for seminary students, clergy, laity, librarians, journalists, researchers, teachers---in short, for anyone seeking authoritative information on religious life in America!