ARLINGTON, Texas - Even though traditional religious indicators were constant, an undercurrent of change affected some segments of the population over the last decade, according to Christian researcher George Barna.

During 1993-2003, the percentages of Americans who said they read the Bible, prayed, attended church and attended an adult Sunday school class or small group in the past week remained about the same, Associated Baptist Press reported.

Statistics from the Barna Research Group also indicated beliefs in God as the all-knowing, all-powerful creator, the total accuracy of the Bible, and a responsibility to share one's faith remained steady.

Americans who identified themselves as born-again believers and evangelicals remained constant during the decade, according to the report.

Speaking at a conference, Barna said close examination of data suggests the South is becoming less of a Christian stronghold, however. Sunday school, church attendance and evangelism in the region are all in decline.

Among factors contributing to the change, Barna said people moving to the South influence residents by exposing them to more religious options.

Senior adults are dropping out of church, and attendance, evangelism involvement and volunteerism are all down nationally among older Americans.

Additionally, African-Americans appear to be less interested in traditional religion, according to Barna's research. Bible reading, evangelism and a belief in the "biblical God" have declined among them.

The country's unchurched population has risen from 24 percent to 33 percent. Attendance that spiked following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks should be attributed to believers returning to church rather than unchurched people entering sanctuaries, Barna said.