Religion-related lobbying groups have increased fivefold since 1970 in Washington, D.C., from fewer than 40 to more than 200 today, according to a study released today.

Religious advocacy groups spend $390 million a year and employ more than 1,000 people in the capital to influence national public policy, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life reports in "Lobbying for the Faithful: Religious Advocacy Groups in Washington, D.C.".