Adherents.com

43,941 adherent statistic citations: membership and geography data for 4,300+ religions, churches, tribes, etc.

Beginning of records

Group Where Number
of
Adherents % of
total
pop. Number
of
congreg./
churches/
units Number
of
countries Year Source Quote/
Notes
Aaronic Order USA 2,000 - - - 1994 *LINK* web site (viewed Dec. 1998): "Information on Latter Day Saint Movement (Restoration Theology) Religions " by David Bowie; web page: "The Aaronic Order (EskDale/Murray, Utah) "; "letter quoted below is copyright 1994 Robert J. Conrad and the belief statement quoted below is copyright Aaronic Order. " "We have approximately 2,000 followers who accept the teachings of the Aaronic Order who are located in almost every State of the Union. We have no members outside of the U.S. "

Aaronic Order world 2,000 - - 1
country 1994 *LINK* web site (viewed Dec. 1998): "The Aaronic Order (EskDale/Murray, Utah) "; "Please note that the letter quoted below is copyright 1994 Robert J. Conrad and the belief statement quoted below is copyright Aaronic Order. " "We have approximately 2,000 followers who accept the teachings of the Aaronic Order who are located in almost every State of the Union. We have no members outside of the U.S. "

Aaronic Order world - - 6
units - 1998 *LINK* web site: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance (viewed Dec. 1998); "last updated October 1998 " "Other Mormon Faith Groups... Aaronic Order: unknown membership; 6 centers; 20 ministers "

Aaronic Order world - - - - 1999 Klein, Rick. "From A to Zurvanism " in Dallas Morning News, 28 Aug 1999; pg. 1G. "His site [Adherents.com] includes a huge spread of data, with numbers of followers listed by place and religion, from the Aaronic Order to Zurvanism. " [NOTE: This article does not provide any statistical or geographical information, but it is so rare to see the Aaronic Order mentioned in the newspaper that we have included this citation.]

Abecedarians Germany - - - - 1522 C.E. *LINK* A'Becket, John J. "Abecedarians " in Catholic Encyclopedia. Transcribed by Paul T. Crowley. (Viewed 13 June 1999) "A sect of Anabaptists who affected an absolute disdain for all human knowledge... They rejected every other means of instruction, and pretended that to be saved one must even be ignorant of the first letters of the alphabet; whence their name, A-B-C-darians.... At Wittenberg, in 1522, Nicholas Storch (Pelargus) and the Illuminati of Zwickau began to preach this doctrine... He preached the new doctrine for some time to the people and to the students of Wittenberg. "

Abecedarians Germany - - - - 1522 C.E. Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 384. "Abecedarians: A defunct German Anabaptist sect led by Nicholas Storch, who despised learning, even of the ABCs, because he believed it interfered with sanctity and direct experience of God through ecstasies and visions. The group believed that the illiterate could nonetheless interpret scripture. "

Abelites Africa - - - - 350 C.E. Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 384. "Abelites: A 4th-century African sect mentioned by Augustine. Members married but did not have sex (something they claimed was true of Abel), believing that procreation led only to the perpetuation of sin. Not surprisingly, they are extinct. "

Abenaki North America 1,800 - - 2
countries 1995 Legay, Gilbert. Atlas of Indians of North America. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's (1995); pg. 21. "Abenaki... Their descendants, around 1,800 people, live in Quebec and Maine. "

Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot North America - Eastern Woodlands 3,000 - - - 1600 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 200. Table: "Eastern Woodlands: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Listed in table as "Abnaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot "

Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot world 3,000 - - - 1600 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 200. Table: "Eastern Woodlands: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Listed in table as "Abnaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot "

Abipon Argentina - - - - 1981 Crim, Keith (ed.). The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions. San Francisco: Harper Collins (1989). Reprint; originally pub. as Abingdon Dictionary of Living Religions, 1981; pg. 702. Chapter: "South American Tribal Religions "; map: "Tribal Locations "

Abkhazian Georgia (country) 100,000 - - - 1989 Gall, Timothy L. (ed). Worldmark Encyclopedia of Culture & Daily Life: Vol. 4 - Europe. Cleveland, OH: Eastword Publications Development (1998); pg. 15-16. "Abkhazians: Population: Under 100,000 [1989]; Religion: Islam; Christianity; pagan beliefs "; "Christianity... brought to Abkhazia from Byzantium in 7th cen., & [Sunni Islam] introduced by Turks in the 15th & 16th cen. Neither of these religions, however, ever completely eroded pagan beliefs, which still remain very strong. Families may mark both Islamic & Christian holidays & also conduct pagan rituals... The supreme god is Antzva, the plural form of the word for mother. There are several sacred sites in Abkhazia where individuals & families pray to the spirits of the Abkhazian pantheon. "

Abkhazian Georgia (country) 110,000 2.00% - - 1989 Shoemaker, M. Wesley. Russia, Eurasian States, and Eastern Europe 1997 (The World Today Series). Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: Stryker-Post Publications (1997); pg. 151. "Georgia's population as of the 1989 census was 5.5 million... Ossetians (3.2%), Abkhazians (2%)... " [ethnic minorities]

Abkhazian Georgia (country): Abkhazia 100,000 19.05% - - 1997 *LINK* Gamming, Jenny. They have a flag-but no country " in Swedish Expressen, 17 Aug. 1997. (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site. Translated by SSF/Goran Hansson. "In Abkhazia, situated between the Caucasian mountains and the Black Sea, lives about 525,000 inhabitants of which 100,000 are ethnic Abkhasians. 70% are Orthodox Christians and 30% Sunni Muslims. The Soviet Union joined Abkhazia and Georgia to one republic. In 1990 Abkhazia proclaimed independence against the will of the Georgian Government. Cease-fire is now in place after a few years of war, but no formal peace has been agreed to. "

Abkhazian Georgia (country): Abkhazia 94,500 18.00% - - 1999 *LINK* Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Abkhazia " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). "Abkhazia... Situated in Western Transcaucasia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasian mountains, bordering the Russian Federation and Georgia. The capital is Sukhum. Area: 8,700 km2. Population: 525,000 inhabitants. Ethnic Diversity: Abkhazians 18%, Georgians (Mingrelians and Svans) 46%, Armenians 15%, Russians and Ukrainians 14%, Greeks 3%. "

Abkhazian world 594,500 - - - 1999 *LINK* Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Abkhazia " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). "Abkhazia... Population: 525,000 inhabitants. Ethnic Diversity: Abkhazians 18%, Georgians (Mingrelians and Svans) 46%... [Approximately] 500,000 Abkhazians live in Turkey and in Middle East countries. "

Aboriginal Evangelical Missions Australia 2,828 0.02% - - 1996 *LINK* Parliament of Australia web site; page: "Census 96: Religion " (viewed 18 Dec. 1999) Self-identification, from 1996 govt. census.

Abyssinian Frontiers Mission Ethiopia 75 - - - 1937 *LINK* "Eastern Africa " in SIM NOW, Feb. 1999 (vol. #85); (viewed online 6 July 1999); SIM International web site. "In 1927, the founders of the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission joined forces with SIM founder Dr. Rowland Bingham to evangelize southern Ethiopia. Work was slow, and there were only 75 baptized believers 10 years later, when the invasion by Italy forced the missionaries to evacuate. "

Abyssinian Frontiers Mission Ethiopia - - 100
units - 1942 *LINK* "Eastern Africa " in SIM NOW, Feb. 1999 (vol. #85); (viewed online 6 July 1999); SIM International web site. "In 1927, the founders of the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission joined forces with SIM founder Dr. Rowland Bingham to evangelize southern Ethiopia. Work was slow, and there were only 75 baptized believers 10 years later, when the invasion by Italy forced the missionaries to evacuate. SIM returned in 1942 to find thousands of believers meeting in more than 100 congregations. "

Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre Australia 5,000 - 1
unit - 1998 *LINK* Ireland, Rowan. Web site: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; web page: "New Religious Associations in Australia ", written January 1998. (Viewed 4 July 1999). "So far, 65 religious groups and associations have completed a questionnaire and are listed below... Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre is not a religious headquarters but a teaching place for a universal outlook of faiths and beliefs. The movement originated in Australia in 1969 when its founder Acharya Upendra Roy arrived in Sydney. The centre in Sydney is the only one of its kind in the world. It has an estimated 5000 members. "

Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre world 5,000 - 1
unit 1
country 1998 *LINK* Ireland, Rowan. Web site: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; web page: "New Religious Associations in Australia ", written January 1998. (Viewed 4 July 1999). "So far, 65 religious groups and associations have completed a questionnaire and are listed below... Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre is not a religious headquarters but a teaching place for a universal outlook of faiths and beliefs. The movement originated in Australia in 1969 when its founder Acharya Upendra Roy arrived in Sydney. The centre in Sydney is the only one of its kind in the world. It has an estimated 5000 members. "

Acheh Indonesia: Sumatra 25,000,000 - - - 1997 *LINK* Gamming, Jenny. They have a flag-but no country " in Swedish Expressen, 17 Aug. 1997. (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site. Translated by SSF/Goran Hansson. "Acheh is situated in the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achehs. Acheh was spared western colonialisation but was instead a victim of Asian imperialism and now belongs to Indonesia. Those who presently work for independence lives in exile and the leaders are actually living in Stockholm. "

Acheh Indonesia: Sumatra 25,000,000 - - - 1999 *LINK* Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Acheh/Sumatra " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). "ACHEH/SUMATRA... Geographical Features: Located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra. Bordered on the North by the Malacca Strait, on the South by the Indian Ocean. Area: 236,803 km2. Capital: Bandar Ahcheh (Kuta Radja). Population: In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achenese, 5 million of them live in Acheh. Achenese (Malay/Polynesian) are homogeneous. Languages: Achenese (Malay/Polynesian group). Organisations: Free Acheh Movement (ASNLF), not surrendered to the regime. Acheh /Sumatra Nation Liberation Front. "

Acheh Indonesia: Sumatra: Acheh 5,000,000 - - - 1999 *LINK* Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Acheh/Sumatra " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). "In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achenese, 5 million of them live in Acheh. "

Acholi Uganda - - - 1
country 1995 Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7. Table: Add'l African Cultures

Achomawi North America - Pacific Coast 3,000 - - - 1770 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 430-431. Table: "The Pacific Coast: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Includes figures for Atsugewi

Achomawi world 3,000 - - - 1770 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 430-431. Table: "The Pacific Coast: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Includes figures for Atsugewi

ACLU USA 330,000 - - - 2002 *LINK* Drinkard, Jim "ACLU membership surges in post-9/11 world " in USA Today (Posted 12/10/2002; updated 12/11/2002) "There are more card-carrying members of the American Civil Liberties Union than ever in its 82-year history. Since last year's attacks, the ACLU's membership has surged 20%, to about 330,000 nationwide, says executive director Anthony Romero. New membership dues and increased donations have provided a similar boost in income ?enough to fund a $3.5 million campaign that includes TV ads criticizing the administration... The ACLU fights for separation of church and state, gay rights, the rights of prisoners and the accused, and racial equality. Among its most controversial efforts: defending Nazis' right to march in Skokie, Ill., in the late 1970s. "

Acolapissa and Tangipahoa North America - Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps 1,500 - - - 1698 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93. Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)

Acolapissa and Tangipahoa world 1,500 - - - 1698 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93. Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)

Acts Full Gospel Church California: Oakland 2,100 - 1
unit - 1992 *LINK* Thumma, Scott. web site: "Megachurches in the U.S. " (viewed Aug. 20, 1999; data collected 1992; last updated Aug. 19, 1999). Center for Social & Religious Research, Hartford Seminary. Table; "size " is avg. weekly attendance. Study finding all U.S. megachurches.

Adai North America - Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps 400 - - - 1698 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93. Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)

Adai world 400 - - - 1698 Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93. Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)

Adamites world - - - - 150 C.E. Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 385. "Adamites: A recurring sect reaching back to the 2nd century who believed that they could achieve the primal purity of Adam and Eve. They dispensed with marriage (in favor of promiscuous sex) and clothing (at least at their communal meetings, or 'paradises'). They reappeared as late as the 19th century but haven't been heard from lately. "

Adja Benin - - - - 1993 *LINK* web site: "Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor "; web page: "Communications - Publications " (viewed 25 June 1999) "J.H.A.M. Brouwers 1993. Rural people's response to soil fertility decline: the Adja case (Benin). pp. 157. ISSN 0169-345X. Wageningen Agricultural University, P.O. Box 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands. This dissertation examines rural people's knowledge regarding changing conditions, such as decreasing soil fertility and increasing population. It explores how farmers, who depend on rainfed agriculture and are confronted with an ever-increasing population, react. The study presents the case of an ethnic group, the Adja, who live in Southwest Benin. The author concludes that Adja farmers have a rich body of knowledge related to agriculture. But this knowledge is also related to other phenomena (e.g. religion, social struggles and diversity, access to resources, migration) and is in a continuous process of change. "

Adja Benin - - - 1
country 1995 Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7. Table: Add'l African Cultures

Adja Benin - - - - 1998 *LINK* CIA World Factbook 1998 (viewed June 24, 1999) "Population: 6,100,799 (July 1998 est.)... Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 "

Adonis Roman Empire - - - - 50 C.E. Cavendish, Richard (ed.). Man, Myth & Magic: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Supernatural (vol. 14). New York: Marshall Cavendish Corp. (1970); pg. 1928. "During the Hellenistic period... very little is heard about Mysteries. But at the time of the Roman Empire such religions suddenly sprang up. The best-known are the Mysteries of Isis and Mithras. However, there were also groups which worshipped... the Syrian gods Adonis, Jupiter Dolichenus and Helios of Emesa. "

Aduma Gabon - - - 1
country 1995 Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7. Table: Add'l African Cultures

Advent Christian Church Alabama 225 0.01% 6
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center (Mars Hill, NC). Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. Courtesy of American Religion Data Archive. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members' column: 183. [Listed as 'Advent Christian Church.']

Advent Christian Church California 968 0.00% 12
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 774.

Advent Christian Church Connecticut 640 0.02% 9
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 524.

Advent Christian Church Florida 2,285 0.02% 35
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 1,839.

Advent Christian Church Georgia, USA 1,018 0.02% 16
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 802.

Advent Christian Church Idaho 55 0.01% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 44.

Advent Christian Church Illinois 1,019 0.01% 9
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 787.

Advent Christian Church Indiana 220 0.00% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 176.

Advent Christian Church Iowa 113 0.00% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 91.

Advent Christian Church Kentucky 54 0.00% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 43.

Advent Christian Church Louisiana 16 0.00% 1
unit - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 12.

Advent Christian Church Maine 2,249 0.18% 28
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 1,803.

Advent Christian Church Maryland 72 0.00% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 57.

Advent Christian Church Massachusetts 877 0.01% 12
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 709.

Advent Christian Church Michigan 135 0.00% 3
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 111.

Advent Christian Church Minnesota 60 0.00% 1
unit - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 49.

Advent Christian Church Mississippi 96 0.00% 3
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 73.

Advent Christian Church Missouri 126 0.00% 2
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 100.

Advent Christian Church New Hampshire 1,210 0.11% 19
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 971.

Advent Christian Church New Mexico 238 0.02% 1
unit - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 179.

Advent Christian Church New York 129 0.00% 3
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 103.

Advent Christian Church North America 20,000 - 340
units - 1990 Mead, Frank S. (revised by Samuel S. Hill), Handbook of Denominations in the United States (9th Ed.), Abingdon Press: Nashville, Tenn. (1990); pg. 21. "...approximately 20,000 members in 340 local churches are grouped in five regional districts in the U.S. and Canada... "

Advent Christian Church North Carolina 6,064 0.09% 57
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 4,925.

Advent Christian Church North Carolina: New Hanover County - - 6
units - 1998 *LINK* web site (viewed Dec.1998): Wilmington Morning Star (N. Carolina newspaper); Special/Thursday, Aug. 20, 1998 "...in New Hanover County... This list of active religious groups is based primarily on Southern Bell's Yellow Pages and the Morning Star's weekly list of worship services " [List of churches & # of congregations]

Advent Christian Church Ohio 235 0.00% 7
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 186.

Advent Christian Church Oklahoma 150 0.00% 3
units - 1990 Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 121.

Group	Where	Number of Adherents	% of total pop.	Number of congreg./ churches/ units	Number of countries	Year	Source	Quote/ Notes
Aaronic Order	USA	2,000	-	-	-	1994	LINK web site (viewed Dec. 1998): "Information on Latter Day Saint Movement (Restoration Theology) Religions " by David Bowie; web page: "The Aaronic Order (EskDale/Murray, Utah) "; "letter quoted below is copyright 1994 Robert J. Conrad and the belief statement quoted below is copyright Aaronic Order. "	"We have approximately 2,000 followers who accept the teachings of the Aaronic Order who are located in almost every State of the Union. We have no members outside of the U.S. "
Aaronic Order	world	2,000	-	-	1 country	1994	LINK web site (viewed Dec. 1998): "The Aaronic Order (EskDale/Murray, Utah) "; "Please note that the letter quoted below is copyright 1994 Robert J. Conrad and the belief statement quoted below is copyright Aaronic Order. "	"We have approximately 2,000 followers who accept the teachings of the Aaronic Order who are located in almost every State of the Union. We have no members outside of the U.S. "
Aaronic Order	world	-	-	6 units	-	1998	LINK web site: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance (viewed Dec. 1998); "last updated October 1998 "	"Other Mormon Faith Groups... Aaronic Order: unknown membership; 6 centers; 20 ministers "
Aaronic Order	world	-	-	-	-	1999	Klein, Rick. "From A to Zurvanism " in Dallas Morning News, 28 Aug 1999; pg. 1G.	"His site [Adherents.com] includes a huge spread of data, with numbers of followers listed by place and religion, from the Aaronic Order to Zurvanism. " [NOTE: This article does not provide any statistical or geographical information, but it is so rare to see the Aaronic Order mentioned in the newspaper that we have included this citation.]
Abecedarians	Germany	-	-	-	-	1522 C.E.	LINK A'Becket, John J. "Abecedarians " in Catholic Encyclopedia. Transcribed by Paul T. Crowley. (Viewed 13 June 1999)	"A sect of Anabaptists who affected an absolute disdain for all human knowledge... They rejected every other means of instruction, and pretended that to be saved one must even be ignorant of the first letters of the alphabet; whence their name, A-B-C-darians.... At Wittenberg, in 1522, Nicholas Storch (Pelargus) and the Illuminati of Zwickau began to preach this doctrine... He preached the new doctrine for some time to the people and to the students of Wittenberg. "
Abecedarians	Germany	-	-	-	-	1522 C.E.	Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 384.	"Abecedarians: A defunct German Anabaptist sect led by Nicholas Storch, who despised learning, even of the ABCs, because he believed it interfered with sanctity and direct experience of God through ecstasies and visions. The group believed that the illiterate could nonetheless interpret scripture. "
Abelites	Africa	-	-	-	-	350 C.E.	Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 384.	"Abelites: A 4th-century African sect mentioned by Augustine. Members married but did not have sex (something they claimed was true of Abel), believing that procreation led only to the perpetuation of sin. Not surprisingly, they are extinct. "
Abenaki	North America	1,800	-	-	2 countries	1995	Legay, Gilbert. Atlas of Indians of North America. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's (1995); pg. 21.	"Abenaki... Their descendants, around 1,800 people, live in Quebec and Maine. "
Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot	North America - Eastern Woodlands	3,000	-	-	-	1600	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 200.	Table: "Eastern Woodlands: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Listed in table as "Abnaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot "
Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot	world	3,000	-	-	-	1600	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 200.	Table: "Eastern Woodlands: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Listed in table as "Abnaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot "
Abipon	Argentina	-	-	-	-	1981	Crim, Keith (ed.). The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions. San Francisco: Harper Collins (1989). Reprint; originally pub. as Abingdon Dictionary of Living Religions, 1981; pg. 702.	Chapter: "South American Tribal Religions "; map: "Tribal Locations "
Abkhazian	Georgia (country)	100,000	-	-	-	1989	Gall, Timothy L. (ed). Worldmark Encyclopedia of Culture & Daily Life: Vol. 4 - Europe. Cleveland, OH: Eastword Publications Development (1998); pg. 15-16.	"Abkhazians: Population: Under 100,000 [1989]; Religion: Islam; Christianity; pagan beliefs "; "Christianity... brought to Abkhazia from Byzantium in 7th cen., & [Sunni Islam] introduced by Turks in the 15th & 16th cen. Neither of these religions, however, ever completely eroded pagan beliefs, which still remain very strong. Families may mark both Islamic & Christian holidays & also conduct pagan rituals... The supreme god is Antzva, the plural form of the word for mother. There are several sacred sites in Abkhazia where individuals & families pray to the spirits of the Abkhazian pantheon. "
Abkhazian	Georgia (country)	110,000	2.00%	-	-	1989	Shoemaker, M. Wesley. Russia, Eurasian States, and Eastern Europe 1997 (The World Today Series). Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: Stryker-Post Publications (1997); pg. 151.	"Georgia's population as of the 1989 census was 5.5 million... Ossetians (3.2%), Abkhazians (2%)... " [ethnic minorities]
Abkhazian	Georgia (country): Abkhazia	100,000	19.05%	-	-	1997	LINK Gamming, Jenny. They have a flag-but no country " in Swedish Expressen, 17 Aug. 1997. (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site. Translated by SSF/Goran Hansson.	"In Abkhazia, situated between the Caucasian mountains and the Black Sea, lives about 525,000 inhabitants of which 100,000 are ethnic Abkhasians. 70% are Orthodox Christians and 30% Sunni Muslims. The Soviet Union joined Abkhazia and Georgia to one republic. In 1990 Abkhazia proclaimed independence against the will of the Georgian Government. Cease-fire is now in place after a few years of war, but no formal peace has been agreed to. "
Abkhazian	Georgia (country): Abkhazia	94,500	18.00%	-	-	1999	LINK Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Abkhazia " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999).	"Abkhazia... Situated in Western Transcaucasia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasian mountains, bordering the Russian Federation and Georgia. The capital is Sukhum. Area: 8,700 km2. Population: 525,000 inhabitants. Ethnic Diversity: Abkhazians 18%, Georgians (Mingrelians and Svans) 46%, Armenians 15%, Russians and Ukrainians 14%, Greeks 3%. "
Abkhazian	world	594,500	-	-	-	1999	LINK Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Abkhazia " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999).	"Abkhazia... Population: 525,000 inhabitants. Ethnic Diversity: Abkhazians 18%, Georgians (Mingrelians and Svans) 46%... [Approximately] 500,000 Abkhazians live in Turkey and in Middle East countries. "
Aboriginal Evangelical Missions	Australia	2,828	0.02%	-	-	1996	LINK Parliament of Australia web site; page: "Census 96: Religion " (viewed 18 Dec. 1999)	Self-identification, from 1996 govt. census.
Abyssinian Frontiers Mission	Ethiopia	75	-	-	-	1937	LINK "Eastern Africa " in SIM NOW, Feb. 1999 (vol. #85); (viewed online 6 July 1999); SIM International web site.	"In 1927, the founders of the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission joined forces with SIM founder Dr. Rowland Bingham to evangelize southern Ethiopia. Work was slow, and there were only 75 baptized believers 10 years later, when the invasion by Italy forced the missionaries to evacuate. "
Abyssinian Frontiers Mission	Ethiopia	-	-	100 units	-	1942	LINK "Eastern Africa " in SIM NOW, Feb. 1999 (vol. #85); (viewed online 6 July 1999); SIM International web site.	"In 1927, the founders of the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission joined forces with SIM founder Dr. Rowland Bingham to evangelize southern Ethiopia. Work was slow, and there were only 75 baptized believers 10 years later, when the invasion by Italy forced the missionaries to evacuate. SIM returned in 1942 to find thousands of believers meeting in more than 100 congregations. "
Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre	Australia	5,000	-	1 unit	-	1998	LINK Ireland, Rowan. Web site: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; web page: "New Religious Associations in Australia ", written January 1998. (Viewed 4 July 1999).	"So far, 65 religious groups and associations have completed a questionnaire and are listed below... Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre is not a religious headquarters but a teaching place for a universal outlook of faiths and beliefs. The movement originated in Australia in 1969 when its founder Acharya Upendra Roy arrived in Sydney. The centre in Sydney is the only one of its kind in the world. It has an estimated 5000 members. "
Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre	world	5,000	-	1 unit	1 country	1998	LINK Ireland, Rowan. Web site: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; web page: "New Religious Associations in Australia ", written January 1998. (Viewed 4 July 1999).	"So far, 65 religious groups and associations have completed a questionnaire and are listed below... Acharya's Yoga and Meditation Centre is not a religious headquarters but a teaching place for a universal outlook of faiths and beliefs. The movement originated in Australia in 1969 when its founder Acharya Upendra Roy arrived in Sydney. The centre in Sydney is the only one of its kind in the world. It has an estimated 5000 members. "
Acheh	Indonesia: Sumatra	25,000,000	-	-	-	1997	LINK Gamming, Jenny. They have a flag-but no country " in Swedish Expressen, 17 Aug. 1997. (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999). Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site. Translated by SSF/Goran Hansson.	"Acheh is situated in the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achehs. Acheh was spared western colonialisation but was instead a victim of Asian imperialism and now belongs to Indonesia. Those who presently work for independence lives in exile and the leaders are actually living in Stockholm. "
Acheh	Indonesia: Sumatra	25,000,000	-	-	-	1999	LINK Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Acheh/Sumatra " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999).	"ACHEH/SUMATRA... Geographical Features: Located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra. Bordered on the North by the Malacca Strait, on the South by the Indian Ocean. Area: 236,803 km2. Capital: Bandar Ahcheh (Kuta Radja). Population: In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achenese, 5 million of them live in Acheh. Achenese (Malay/Polynesian) are homogeneous. Languages: Achenese (Malay/Polynesian group). Organisations: Free Acheh Movement (ASNLF), not surrendered to the regime. Acheh /Sumatra Nation Liberation Front. "
Acheh	Indonesia: Sumatra: Acheh	5,000,000	-	-	-	1999	LINK Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organisation web site; web page: "Acheh/Sumatra " (Viewed 16 Aug. 1999).	"In the whole of Sumatra there are 25 million Achenese, 5 million of them live in Acheh. "
Acholi	Uganda	-	-	-	1 country	1995	Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7.	Table: Add'l African Cultures
Achomawi	North America - Pacific Coast	3,000	-	-	-	1770	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 430-431.	Table: "The Pacific Coast: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Includes figures for Atsugewi
Achomawi	world	3,000	-	-	-	1770	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 430-431.	Table: "The Pacific Coast: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber); Includes figures for Atsugewi
ACLU	USA	330,000	-	-	-	2002	LINK Drinkard, Jim "ACLU membership surges in post-9/11 world " in USA Today (Posted 12/10/2002; updated 12/11/2002)	"There are more card-carrying members of the American Civil Liberties Union than ever in its 82-year history. Since last year's attacks, the ACLU's membership has surged 20%, to about 330,000 nationwide, says executive director Anthony Romero. New membership dues and increased donations have provided a similar boost in income ?enough to fund a $3.5 million campaign that includes TV ads criticizing the administration... The ACLU fights for separation of church and state, gay rights, the rights of prisoners and the accused, and racial equality. Among its most controversial efforts: defending Nazis' right to march in Skokie, Ill., in the late 1970s. "
Acolapissa and Tangipahoa	North America - Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps	1,500	-	-	-	1698	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93.	Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)
Acolapissa and Tangipahoa	world	1,500	-	-	-	1698	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93.	Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)
Acts Full Gospel Church	California: Oakland	2,100	-	1 unit	-	1992	LINK Thumma, Scott. web site: "Megachurches in the U.S. " (viewed Aug. 20, 1999; data collected 1992; last updated Aug. 19, 1999). Center for Social & Religious Research, Hartford Seminary.	Table; "size " is avg. weekly attendance. Study finding all U.S. megachurches.
Adai	North America - Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps	400	-	-	-	1698	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93.	Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)
Adai	world	400	-	-	-	1698	Terrell, John Upton. American Indian Almanac. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. (1974); pg. 93.	Table: "Gulf Coasts and Tidal Swamps: Earliest Population Estimates " (mainly relying on James Mooney, John R. Swanson, & A. L. Kroeber)
Adamites	world	-	-	-	-	150 C.E.	Occhiogrosso, Peter. The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions. New York: Doubleday (1996); pg. 385.	"Adamites: A recurring sect reaching back to the 2nd century who believed that they could achieve the primal purity of Adam and Eve. They dispensed with marriage (in favor of promiscuous sex) and clothing (at least at their communal meetings, or 'paradises'). They reappeared as late as the 19th century but haven't been heard from lately. "
Adja	Benin	-	-	-	-	1993	LINK web site: "Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor "; web page: "Communications - Publications " (viewed 25 June 1999)	"J.H.A.M. Brouwers 1993. Rural people's response to soil fertility decline: the Adja case (Benin). pp. 157. ISSN 0169-345X. Wageningen Agricultural University, P.O. Box 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands. This dissertation examines rural people's knowledge regarding changing conditions, such as decreasing soil fertility and increasing population. It explores how farmers, who depend on rainfed agriculture and are confronted with an ever-increasing population, react. The study presents the case of an ethnic group, the Adja, who live in Southwest Benin. The author concludes that Adja farmers have a rich body of knowledge related to agriculture. But this knowledge is also related to other phenomena (e.g. religion, social struggles and diversity, access to resources, migration) and is in a continuous process of change. "
Adja	Benin	-	-	-	1 country	1995	Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7.	Table: Add'l African Cultures
Adja	Benin	-	-	-	-	1998	LINK CIA World Factbook 1998 (viewed June 24, 1999)	"Population: 6,100,799 (July 1998 est.)... Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 "
Adonis	Roman Empire	-	-	-	-	50 C.E.	Cavendish, Richard (ed.). Man, Myth & Magic: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Supernatural (vol. 14). New York: Marshall Cavendish Corp. (1970); pg. 1928.	"During the Hellenistic period... very little is heard about Mysteries. But at the time of the Roman Empire such religions suddenly sprang up. The best-known are the Mysteries of Isis and Mithras. However, there were also groups which worshipped... the Syrian gods Adonis, Jupiter Dolichenus and Helios of Emesa. "
Aduma	Gabon	-	-	-	1 country	1995	Haskins, J. From Afar to Zulu. New York: Walker Pub. (1995); pg. 191-7.	Table: Add'l African Cultures
Advent Christian Church	Alabama	225	0.01%	6 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center (Mars Hill, NC). Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990. Courtesy of American Religion Data Archive.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members' column: 183. [Listed as 'Advent Christian Church.']
Advent Christian Church	California	968	0.00%	12 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 774.
Advent Christian Church	Connecticut	640	0.02%	9 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 524.
Advent Christian Church	Florida	2,285	0.02%	35 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 1,839.
Advent Christian Church	Georgia, USA	1,018	0.02%	16 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 802.
Advent Christian Church	Idaho	55	0.01%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 44.
Advent Christian Church	Illinois	1,019	0.01%	9 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 787.
Advent Christian Church	Indiana	220	0.00%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 176.
Advent Christian Church	Iowa	113	0.00%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 91.
Advent Christian Church	Kentucky	54	0.00%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 43.
Advent Christian Church	Louisiana	16	0.00%	1 unit	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 12.
Advent Christian Church	Maine	2,249	0.18%	28 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 1,803.
Advent Christian Church	Maryland	72	0.00%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 57.
Advent Christian Church	Massachusetts	877	0.01%	12 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 709.
Advent Christian Church	Michigan	135	0.00%	3 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 111.
Advent Christian Church	Minnesota	60	0.00%	1 unit	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 49.
Advent Christian Church	Mississippi	96	0.00%	3 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 73.
Advent Christian Church	Missouri	126	0.00%	2 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 100.
Advent Christian Church	New Hampshire	1,210	0.11%	19 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 971.
Advent Christian Church	New Mexico	238	0.02%	1 unit	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 179.
Advent Christian Church	New York	129	0.00%	3 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 103.
Advent Christian Church	North America	20,000	-	340 units	-	1990	Mead, Frank S. (revised by Samuel S. Hill), Handbook of Denominations in the United States (9th Ed.), Abingdon Press: Nashville, Tenn. (1990); pg. 21.	"...approximately 20,000 members in 340 local churches are grouped in five regional districts in the U.S. and Canada... "
Advent Christian Church	North Carolina	6,064	0.09%	57 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 4,925.
Advent Christian Church	North Carolina: New Hanover County	-	-	6 units	-	1998	LINK web site (viewed Dec.1998): Wilmington Morning Star (N. Carolina newspaper); Special/Thursday, Aug. 20, 1998	"...in New Hanover County... This list of active religious groups is based primarily on Southern Bell's Yellow Pages and the Morning Star's weekly list of worship services " [List of churches & # of congregations]
Advent Christian Church	Ohio	235	0.00%	7 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 186.
Advent Christian Church	Oklahoma	150	0.00%	3 units	-	1990	Glenmary Research Center. Churches & Church Membership in U.S., 1990.	By-county org. reports, figures from 'Churches' & inclusive 'Adherents' columns. More exclusive 'members': 121.

Advent Christian Church, continued

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