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CNN Sunday Morning

Americans Turn to Religion After September 11

Aired November 04, 2001 - 08:56   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: Following the September 11 tragedy, most Americans were overwhelmed by the horror. So many have sought religion as a way to heal the pain.

Elina Fuhrman takes a look at the surge in religious feelings, and whether it will last.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELINA FUHRMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Americans are turning to their faith. The weekend after September 11 attacks, churches, synagogues and mosques around the country were suddenly packed with large crowds of people. Some were there to grieve the thousands that were killed and are still missing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All the emotions that were built up -- I know I just put my head in my hands and cried. And it was very helpful.

FUHRMAN: Others came looking for reassurance.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The attacks really scared people, and this just makes them feel like there's -- you know, if something did happen to them, at least they know where they're going when they die.

FUHRMAN: Or just to be with others and pray.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In our uncertainty, eternal God...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... the candle of our light burns down in gutters.

(CROSSTALK)

WILLIAM LAWRENCE, RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR: What really was going on in the weeks immediately following was people were taking advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with communities of people, to share the experience of grief; but also to do the very distinctive thing that religious communities do, and that is to offer a sense of hope, a sense of comfort in the midst of tragedy and uncertainty.

FUHRMAN: Attendance in places of worship has soared. The week of the tragedy, most Americans prayed or attended religious services, encouraged by their president's declaration that the Friday after the attacks be a national day of prayer.

Millions spend their lunch hour praying for the families of the victims. But religious scholars point out that doesn't necessarily mean that all those people have suddenly decided to become regularly observant.

(on camera): There is no doubt that Americans consider themselves a religious people. Various surveys show that as many of 95 percent say they believe in God or another higher power. But in recent years, the American perspective has changed in a way that favors private worship over organized religious services.

(voice-over): September 11 seems to have swung the pendulum back.

DON HARP, UNITED METHODIST PRIEST: People who, in good times, want to keep it private probably are just copping out a little bit. But in times of crisis, you want to go where somebody else is and have your beliefs reassured by the presence of others. There's strength in being together.

FUHRMAN: Strength to go on; strength to connect with their own feelings; strength to face their mortality. And, of course, hope that in the end the world will become a better and safer place.

Elina Fuhrman, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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