Turner Teams With Churches Despite Christianity 'Loser' Comment

April 1, 2008— -- NEW YORK (AP) -- Ted Turner says he has formed a $200 million partnership with Lutherans and Methodists to fight malaria.

Turner made critical remarks about religion in the past but now says his thinking has developed as he has become older.

Turner made the comments to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Later today, his United Nations Foundation philanthropy is launching the malaria project with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the United Methodist Church. They aim to stop deaths from malaria.

Turner once called Christianity a religion for losers. He says he's working with the churches because they have a good reputation for overseas humanitarian work.