Orlando, Florida is the most recent city to become a magnet for evangelical organizations and individuals, reports the Star-Telegram newspaper (Jan. 29) of Fort Worth, Texas.
In recent years, Colorado Springs has been considered the evangelical mecca, drawing denominations and prominent organizations such as Focus on the Family to relocate there. Now it appears that Orlando is becoming a similar evangelical enclave, attracting such groups as Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Timothy Plan, a mutual fund company that targets religious investors.
Reformed Theological Seminary first established an Orlando branch of the school in 1989, and now Geneva College, a Reformed Presbyterian school near Pittsburgh, and Asbury Theological Seminary of Wilmore Kentucky are starting satellite schools in the area. Aside from the climate and family-friendly environment provided by Disney, the evangelical influx is also explained by the large population of retirees who provide a steady flow of financial support to these ministries.
Central Florida is also a Republican bastion with a tradition of conservatism that appeals to Christian groups, adds reporter Mike Schneider.