Sociologists to Study Companion Relationship
Diocesan Press Service. February 6, 1968 [62-11]
A team of sociologists from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, recently left for Panama to undertake an evaluation of the recently terminated companion diocese relationship between the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and the Missionary District of Panama and the Canal Zone.
The team, headed by Robert Stauffer, a member of the faculty of the University's Department of Sociology, will not only evaluate the specific companion relationship but will also seek to develop an instrument or instruments for the evaluation of other companionships.
The study, which is financed by a grant from the Executive Council's Overseas Department, will seek answers to such questions as: the extent of change identifiable in persons, groups and the dioceses brought about by the companionship; how these changes were related to Church structures; and how the various aspects of the companion relationship contributed to change.
It is anticipated that preliminary findings will be prepared by August 1 and a finished report by Jan. 1, 1969.