In 2002, the Gallup Index of Leading Religious Indicators reached its lowest level, demonstrating the public’s most negative overall rating for organized religion since the index began in 1940. The poll found that confidence in organized religion had declined. In 2002, only 45 percent of Americans said they had "a great deal" of confidence in organized religion, compared to 60 percent in 2001. The index reached its peak score in 1956. Since then, American’s perception of "organized religion" has been in steady decline.
(From a sermon by Davon Huss, "Make This Church the Best We Can")