Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers?  Here’s a reason to make the most of this week: Family Radio broadcaster Harold Camping says that the world will end, not on May 21 as he had originally calculated, but on this coming Friday.  He predicts that the end will come “very, very quietly.”

What was Mitt Romney’s role as a Mormon lay leader?  A New York Times article has more.  Given all of the recent talk about Romney’s faith, it’s pretty fascinating to learn about his involvement within his religious community.

Herman Cain says that he’ll challenge Rick Perry for evangelical voters, explaining, “You know, I don’t wear my Christian faith, which has been my faith since I was 10 years old, on my forehead,” Cain said. “But people can see it on my website…”  Emphasizing his religious background could be a smart move for Cain – after all, majorities of every religious group say it is important that a presidential candidate have strong religious beliefs, including 73% of white evangelicals.

God seems to be playing a pretty serious role in the 2012 Republican primary – several candidates (not just Anita Perry, Rick Perry’s wife) have claimed that, by running for president, they are following God’s plan.

And to step away, just for a moment, from the 2012 election – churches may be losing Millennials, but they’re gaining pets.  Animal ministries are on the rise throughout the U.S.

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