I have to tell you, that is historic. Can you remember the last time a church leader said anything like that? I can't, and I am very proud of Bill Hybels. He and his leaders deserve a Christian profile in courage award, and I will nominate him.

Republicans once owned the faith vote but that changed in last year's midterm election when Democrats made significant gains among faith-based voters. While just a quarter of evangelicals backed Democrats in 2004, 41 percent did in 2006. Those leaps in faith helped to put the Democrats back in congressional leadership.

What lever will the "God vote" pull in next year's presidential and congressional contests? Will religious voters become the swing vote of 2008?

Supporting the protection of people vulnerable to attack on grounds of their sexuality or gender identity, the Churches say they are not entirely convinced that existing legal provisions in ss.4A and 5 of the Public Order Act are inadequate. Nevertheless, they question whether these provisions are being enforced effectively and equitably.

The backlash comes as some churches step up their efforts to encourage tithing. Some are setting up "giving kiosks" that allow congregants to donate using their debit cards when they attend services. Others are offering financial seminars that teach people in debt how they can continue tithing even while paying off their loans. Media-savvy pastors, such as Ed Young in Grapevine, Texas, sell sermons online about tithing.