LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -  More than 50,000 women a year have deserted their congregations over the past two decades because they feel church is not relevant to their lives, according to a British academic study - and shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" have played a role in the exodus.

The research, published in a new book called "Women and Religion in the West," says TV shows like "Buffy" offer women an appealing message of female empowerment while the old-fashioned attitudes and hierarchies of churches are causing a steep decline in the number of female worshippers.

"In short, women are abandoning the church," writes Kristin Aune, a sociologist at the University of Derby. "Because of its focus on female empowerment, young women are attracted by [the pagan religion] Wicca, popularized by the TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'

"Young women tend to express egalitarian values and dislike the traditionalism and hierarchies they imagine are integral to the church."

Her research cites an English Church census which found that more than a million women worshippers have left churches since 1989, and that women have been leaving churches at twice the rate of men.

Friends of mine are getting married tomorrow finally after all these years. Asking for good energy to thrown there way to they have a great wedding.....

Blessed be

Icewolf

Well my son is homesick but hanging in there. He knows he can make it on his own and make new friends. He misses everyone. I am getting better  dealing thankyou everyone for being supportive  to me and giving me advice to deal with my first born leaving.

Blessed Be all

Icewolf

Well my son is settled in now and is doing well in Korea. He misses home and his friends. I miss him very badly and I am holding up. It's hard  But I know he is doing the right thing. It's hard with any of your children leaving home but your first born I think is the hardest. Anyways everyone stay well and best wishes. Blessed Be.

Icewolf

Sorry for not posting. I have been running around  helping my son that I haven't had time.  My son left for Korea Aug 1. He is going there to teadh english. He is scared and unsure of what he leaft back here. I don't know how to be there for him and it's hard for me. He is my first born and all. So now I am back and trying to focus more . But wasting time in other areas.  So come join my mob on my space as well. trying to build the biggest pagan mob there is to take on the christians LOL my myspace is http://www.myspace.com/wiccawolf1969 . would love for  you to join my mob. Anyways you dont have to do that I will keep  you post on my life and son . Blessed Be