Minx ~
It is not religion that raises a child, you are right, it is the PARENTS duty or privledge. But many don't see rearing children as a serious responsibility. They seem to believe or behave in a manner that is destructive - what will be - will be. NOT WITH KIDS. They need serious, loving, and disciplined GROWN-UPS to teach them, to nuture them, to encourage them, and the guide them.
Kids are not born knowing the difference between right and wrong. Hell - many adults don't even know the difference. If having strong morals in a church or religion helps child rearing - why not?