prayer and american car industry

Detroit praying for car industry salvation | Business | News.com.au

AS politicians bicker over a multi-billion-dollar bailout of the American car industry, some people are taking the problem to a higher power.

At the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan, the faithful are praying for God to rescue the industry, which is teetering on the brink of collapse.

At a special service called "A Hybrid Hope", two gleaming SUVs were parked on stage in front of a gospel choir and behind a pulpit. From the pulpit, a bishop led the congregation in prayer for the auto industry.

Detroit is at the centre of the industry and would be among the hardest hit cities if the big three car companies, General Motors, Ford and Chysler, go under. But a collapse would be catastrophic for the entire US economy, putting millions of jobs at risk.

Negotiations continue on a proposed short-term loan package of about $US15 billion ($A23.3 billion). Democrats said a deal was imminent but Republicans warned there was still a way to go.