Religion: Inside The Bible Beltway

Alongside power and politics, prayer thrives in Washington

Washington is known as a pinnacle of political power, a showplace of marble monuments, an enclave of high-level socializing and influence peddling. Few outsiders would think of the U.S. capital as a religious center. Yet Washington may boast more Christian prayer groups per square block than any other town outside the Bible Belt. What makes D.C.'s prayer groups special is not only their growing numbers but also the prominent political figures -- Georgia's Senator Sam Nunn, Marilyn Quayle, Susan (Mrs. James) Baker -- who are among the active members. Observes Oregon's Senator Mark Hatfield, a veteran of the movement: "People are...

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