Less than half of Christians in the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country believe Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, a new survey reveals.

The latest “Religious and Demographic Profile of Presbyterians” report, released by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), shows that two in five (39 percent) members agree or strongly agree that “only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved.” Fewer pastors (35 percent) agree or strongly agree. Meanwhile, 45 percent of elders at least agree.

Among members, only 43 percent disagree or strongly disagree that “all the world’s religions are equally good ways of helping a person find ultimate truth.”

At the same time, majorities of members (60 percent), elders (68 percent), and pastors (66 percent) at least agree that “the only absolute truth for humankind is in Jesus Christ.”

The findings are from the initial survey of the 2009-2011 Presbyterian Panel. Questionnaires were sent to more than 5,000 Presbyterians in the PC(USA) in October and November 2008. Those who responded will serve on the panel for three years. The first panel was created in 1973 to collect information about the practices, beliefs, and opinions from both clergy and laity.

Results of the most recent survey come as the PC(USA) experiences continued losses in membership. A number of congregations have left over the past decade with some citing disagreement with the 2001 decision by the denomination’s highest legislative body not to affirm the “singular” saving Lordship of Jesus Christ.

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