Top religious sites

Christianbook.com: 890,000 visitors Wuzupgod: 652,000 Christianitytoday.com: 633,000 Liveoakfbc.org: 556,000 Catholic.org: 416,000 Jewishworldreview.org: 168,000

This is not necessarily because surfers are becoming more spiritual, though.

Instead, Jupiter Media Metrix puts the surge in interest down to the fact that March is a holy month for both Christians and Jews.

In addition, religion has been the subject of intense media attention following the 11 September attacks and renewed tensions in the Middle East.

The figures show that 6.4% of the US online population visited a religious site during March.

Pope backs the net

Newcomer Wuzupgod.com proved popular with 652,000 unique visitors.

But the most visited site was Christianbook.com with 890,000 surfers logging on in a month.

"So far the majority of religion sites to attract sizeable audiences focus on Christianity, though a few focus on Judaism or offer content tailored to multiple faiths," said Mr Kim.

Religions of all flavours are being forced to recognise the important influence of the internet.

Next month, the Pope will make a speech, warning of the dangers of the web but also proclaiming it as a new forum for evangelising the Christian message.