Jews write special haggadah for holiday

NEW YORK -- Inspired by the haggadah that Jews recite at Passover meals, a Thanksgiving ritual for remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks has been published by the American Jewish Committee.

"Our joy is mixed with profound sorrow because there are more than 5,000 empty places at America's table," the leaflet says.

In the ceremony, one candle is lit in memory of the Sept. 11 "innocents" and "heroes," and a second candle to symbolize hope for the safety of America, Israel and Jews everywhere. "In the warmth of these two flames, let us pray for peace," participants say.

'Megachurches' are centered in the Sunbelt

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The first major survey of U.S. Protestant "megachurches" shows 72 percent of congregations with average weekly attendance of 2,000 or more are located in Sunbelt states.

Most of the churches are in the strip of states that runs from Georgia and Florida across the nation through Texas to California. A mere 2 percent are in New England.

The survey said the development of megachurches occurred during the past two decades, mostly in suburbs of large cities.

In theology, 48 percent of such congregations called themselves "evangelical" and 14 percent "charismatic." In worship, most megachurches forsake formal liturgy and nearly 8 out of 10 use electronic keyboards, guitars and drums instead of organs.

Sheen joins appeal for Catholic retirees

WASHINGTON -- Martin Sheen of television's "West Wing" recorded TV and radio public service announcements to promote a Dec. 8-9 parish collection for retirees in Roman Catholic religious orders.

The actor said the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and Marianist Brothers who taught him in Dayton, Ohio, "had a profound impact. I've been inspired and nourished by them," according to a release from the U.S. bishops. Sheen taped the spots May 1, the 20th anniversary of his return to the church.

Of some 70,000 U.S. sisters, 53 percent are now past age 70, as are 35 percent of priests and brothers in religious orders, men serving under dioceses are handled separately.

--From wire reports