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Jobless Cling to Their Faith in Detroit

Religions offer comfort as jobless face pain, hunger

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2009 6:10 PM CDT

(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.

Churches, mosques, and synagogues are also hurting as unemployed worshipers fail to tithe and donate; the Archdiocese of Detroit has seen coffers lighten by 5% to 10%. But some churches are adapting to the times: One opened a "prayer station" across from a GM Tech Center; another staged an auto bailout rally with shining SUVs at the altar. "The less you have, and the less secure that you are ... the more that you have to draw upon faith," said one GM engineer.

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At the Greater Grace Temple, a Pentecostal church in Detroit, Bishop Charles Ellis III held a special 'Prayer and Consecration Service' to bring hope and encouragement to auto workers. (AP Photo/The Detroit News, Charles V. Tines)

Jillian Kalis, 7, of Wyandotte leans on one of the angels holding holy water at the back of the church during the last Mass at St. John Cantius in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Susan Tusa)

In Detroit, the claims for jobless benefits rose last week, while the total number of people continuing to receive benefits set a record high, the government said Thursday. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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People who have a steady diet of prayer have an even-keel type of feeling that things will work out. It's just a matter of time. - Eide Alawan, who found solace in his Muslim faith while out of a job

I don't think you can explain it any other way. God provides—we truly believe that. I believe that God provides, no matter what the situation is. No matter how bleak things look. - Scott Gendron, an engineer who fears for his job should GM declare bankruptcy

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Jobless Cling to Their Faith in Detroit