Russians Flock to New Religions

Patriarch Alexiy unified denomination, was suspected of KGB ties

(NEWSER) - The iconic leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who healed an 80-year rift in the church and restored its prominence in Russian society, died today, the Times of London reports. No official cause of death was given for Patriarch Alexiy, but the Kremlin’s first post-Soviet Orthodox leader had been suffering from cancer, diplomats have said. He was 79. More»

Reverend: Instead, we should celebrate they're still coming

(NEWSER) - The Rev. Scott Black Johnston knows his church will be packed tomorrow night with people who attend only once a year at Christmastime. But he's not bemoaning the fact—he's celebrating it, especially in an age where more young people than ever claim no faith. "Instead of wagging our fingers, what we really should do is marvel—at the fact that, in spite of our scandals, our hypocrisy, and our ineptitude, people will still darken our doors on Christmas Eve," Black Johnston writes in the Wall Street Journal . More»

(NEWSER) - The hallelujahs are strained in US churches these days as donations plunge at the same time demand for aid is skyrocketing, reports the Wall Street Journal. Congregations across the nation are slashing budgets and even laying off staff, including pastors. Churches and synagogues usually weather downturns well, but not this time. "There has been significant tightening of budgets," said Rabbi Elliott Kleinman, spokesman for the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents some 900 congregations. "People have less money to give." More»

Religions offer comfort as jobless face pain, hunger

(NEWSER) - Thousands of Detroit's jobless are coping with fear and desperation by falling back on faith, the Detroit Free Press reports. Houses of worship are increasingly fielding calls from people seeking jobs, food, and housing—but above all, congregants say, they find comfort. "When the tension comes and the pressure comes, I just ask God for relief," said one laid-off auto worker. More»

Dem puts religion over race in primary strategy

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama is putting religion over race in the Palmetto State, where almost half of Democratic voters are black—a strategy that has worked for President Bush twice, Politico reports. As in Iowa, Obama has held faith forums throughout the state and even stumped in conservative, white churches. Some sneered that the strategy proves he isn't “black enough,” but recent voting stats are in his favor. More»