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Outsourced Prayers

— September 30, 2006 — World
If you want to dedicate a mass to a loved one, it costs a little bit extra in the collection plate. Now, there's a less expensive alternative - outsourcing prayers to India. That's right, for about five bucks you can get a dedicated mass. Something seems wrong with this one.

From the Times of India:
Since the West probably calls the lord as often as it calls Citibank, it's only natural that India, the haven of cheap outsourcing must have a role in connecting first world Christians to their paradise. By offering five American dollars per holy mass, Western churches have been offloading special prayer requirements to Indian churches, especially to the several in Kerala. There is no information available on how many such prayers are being outsourced to India but Church officials guess that they could number hundreds in a year.

With the youth in developed countries reluctant to become priests because of its threat of hard life, churches in America and the United Kingdom are finding it difficult to fulfil all special prayer requests of the faithful. A Christian celebrates a prayer usually by offering a holy mass and for this ceremony, a priest is indispensable.
Trend Themes
1. Outsourced Prayers - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of offering outsourced prayer services to churches in developed countries, providing cost-effective solutions for fulfilling special prayer requests.
2. Religious Outsourcing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a platform that connects churches in developed countries with religious institutions in low-cost regions, allowing them to outsource various religious services.
3. Youthful Priest Shortage - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop initiatives to address the priesthood shortage in developed countries by providing alternative pathways or incentives for young people to pursue a religious vocation.
Industry Implications
1. Religious Services - Disruptive innovation opportunities: Technology-driven solutions can revolutionize the way religious services are delivered, making them more accessible, inclusive, and cost-effective.
2. Outsourcing Services - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Identify and tap into niche markets like religious outsourcing, offering specialized services that cater to unique needs of various industries.
3. Youth Empowerment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create programs and platforms that empower and inspire young people to take on leadership roles within religious organizations, addressing the shortage of young priests.
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