Churches close to the White House are battling it out to become President-elect Barack Obama's new place of worship.

Faith has historically been at the forefront of American society and steps away from the White House in Washington DC local churches are hoping to include the latest resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Closest to the White House is St. John's Church, an Episcopal parish known as the "Church of the Presidents" for its historic ties to White House residents and has Pew 54, known as the President's Pew, reserved for the nation's leader.

Outgoing President George W Bush has only infrequently attended services locally, occasionally going to St. John's.

Barack Obama could choose, as many presidents have done, not to attend services at all.

But his decision is sure to be looked at carefully after his public falling out with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright of the Trinity United Church of Christ, who served as his pastor for 20 years.

At Metropolitan AME Church, a historic, predominantly black congregation parishioners have been buzzing about the potential that the incoming president, first lady Michelle and their daughters -10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha - might attend services with them.

Senior Pastor Ronald Braxton says it would be a good thing if Obama resumed worshipping at a congregation with its roots in the African-American community.

"The members of the Church will welcome him and his family and surround him with love," said Toni Roy a parishioner at Metropolitan AME Church.

Pastors at numerous D.C. congregations said they understand that their own words would be scrutinised more closely if the First family were sitting in the pews, but universally they said they wouldn't change what they preach.

Nick Shapiro, a spokesman for Obama's transition, declined to comment on any speculation about which church the Obamas might attend.

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