An article of interest...

'Ah men,' sigh lone church women

09 September 2006 By ANNA CHALMERS

A man drought has hit the church and could be pushing some single women away.The shortage is so dire that Christian women are being forced outside the church or are getting into unsuitable relationships, Challenge Weekly warns this month.The Christian publication says American research shows there are up to 13 million more "born-again" Christian women than men.Christian dating agencies report having up to 70 per cent women on their books – a trend reflected in other dating agencies.Central Baptist Church minister Jenny McIntosh said there were more single women than men in the Wellington congregation. She feared single women were feeling alienated and were being pushed away because the "norm" was to be in a family."Single women are finding it hard to be in churches. Often churches are very family-oriented. They talk families, they talk couples."Emma Green, 24, who attends Blueprint, a division of The Rock church in Wellington, said there was pressure to find a partner in the church. But though marrying a fellow Christian was "non-negotiable", she did not think she faced a tougher challenge."It seems like there's a man drought across the board."Statistically there are about 9 per cent to 11 per cent more women than men in the 30-to-34 age group.A study by Victoria University this year found a shortage of bachelors – and an increase in the number of women with degrees – meant more highly educated women were staying single or "marrying down" by choosing a partner with poorer job prospects.Another Wellington Christian said the men at her church were less educated and many more single, Christian women "had more going for them".

From www.stuff.co.nz

what's your opinion? is there a shortage of men?