Topics such as beliefs, faith, religion, and spirituality in the City of Royal Oak, Michigan are the focus of this portion of our guide.
These terms are often used interchangeably, and appropriately so in some contexts, although they are separate words with unique descriptions.
Belief refers to the acceptance of something as fact or, in the context of religion, it may refer to the acknowledgment of a deity. Faith is stronger, suggesting a strong belief or affirmation, while religion might call attention to an organized set of beliefs, such as Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Spirituality is a more complex term, with a wider variety of meanings, many of which have changed over the years. Generally, spirituality refers to a search for a purpose in life beyond material things.
Residents of Royal Oak are considerably more religious than those in the average Michigan locality, and slightly more religious than the average American locality.
In response to a recent survey, nearly half of Royal Oak residents who cited an affiliation with religion were Roman Catholic. Of those who identified as Protestant, the Methodists were first, followed by the Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Episcopalians, and Mormons, although nearly ten percent of the Protestants cited denominations that were not included in the survey, or with various non-denominational churches.
Non-Christian religions in Royal Oak included Judaism, Islam, and various Eastern religions.
Recommended Resources
First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak
Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Royal Oak, Michigan congregation meets at its facilities on Hendrie Boulevard. Formed in 1914, the church has served the community for more than a century. Its history, membership qualifications and policies, sermon archive, church bulletins, a newsletter, and an overview of its ministries are set forth, along with weekly schedules, a calendar of upcoming events, staff contacts, and job opportunities are included.
https://www.fpcro.org/
First Spiritual Temple of Royal Oak
Affiliated with the National Spiritualist Association of Churches, the Royal Oak, Michigan congregation holds to the NSAC declaration of principles, which are listed on the site, along with a calendar of upcoming events, speakers, and an overview of its educational programs. An introduction to the pastor is presented, and a list of board members is included. The church's address, a map showing its location, and a telephone number are included, and announcements are posted on the site.
http://www.firstspiritualtempleofroyaloak.com/
Planted by Royal Oak Missionary Church, which previously met at the same location, ROC was formed in 2017. Meeting in downtown Royal Oak, Michigan, its location is shown on a map, contacts are posted, and an online contact form is included. Weekly schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, and an overview of its ministries, educational programs, and outreach activities are set forth. Past sermons may be viewed or heard through its sermon archive.
https://www.rochurch.org/
The autonomous Christian church has roots in 1934, meeting in a variety of places in Royal Oak before building on its current sites at 11 Mile Road and South Campbell Road. A brief history and a list of pastors formerly serving the congregation are given, and its leadership staff is introduced. Worship service schedules, options, and locations are given, and an archive of sermon podcasts is included. A telephone number, email address, and online contact form are set forth.
http://www.royaloakcoc.org/
Serving Royal Oak and the North Metro Detroit region, the parish church is at the corner of Lafayette Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and West Street, two blocks east of Woodward Avenue and two blocks west of Main Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. The parish offices are in the gray building next to the church. Addresses, office hours, and a schedule of sacraments, ministries, and educational programs are included, along with its religious formation and registration programs for children and adults.
https://www.stmaryroyaloak.com/
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School
Meeting at its facilities on East 5th Street, the Royal Oak, Michigan congregation is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Worship schedules, a calendar of events, and fellowship opportunities are featured on the church's website, which includes an overview of its congregational and community ministries, a statement of beliefs, and an introduction to its services for those who may be attending for the first time. Established in 1873, its history is told.
https://www.stpaulroyaloak.org/
