Less talk, more action

Christian Century, Sept 20, 2005

LESS TALK, MORE ACTION: Nations with the lowest church attendance tend to be more generous in giving to poor countries than those with greater levels of Christian observance, according to the third annual Commitment to Development Index published in Foreign Policy magazine. Out of 21 nations in the index, Denmark gives the most, yet has the lowest rate of church attendance--only 3 percent attend church at least once a week.

Ireland, which has the highest rate of religious observance of the countries ranked, is 19th in giving foreign aid. "Where there is more preaching," observed Foreign Policy, "there is less practicing" (Inter Press Service, August 23).