We all know things are tough in the newspaper biz, with widespread cutbacks and layoffs. It’s been particularly hard for religion reporters, who’ve seen their beats downsized or eliminated.

But you know things are really bad when a newspaper cuts its printed prayer after 36 years, as the Indy Star did on Monday. Star Editor and Vice President Dennis Ryerson offered this:

“We appreciate that this has been a long tradition in The Star. But we are re-evaluating our mission and all that we do. I believe that prayer is a very personal thing and that offering prayers is something for individuals and their churches. We are a newspaper, not a church.

Bible Belt Blogger’s got the scoop. And he’s annoyed the horoscopes kept their spot. The Chuckle did, too.