Monthly Archives: February 2011
Most Americans support congressional probe on Muslims
By Tracy Gordon — February 16, 2011
(RNS) Americans haven’t heard much about upcoming congressional hearings on the radicalization of U.S. Muslims, yet more than half think it’s a good idea, and nearly as many believe Muslims here haven’t done enough to fight extremists in their midst, according to a new poll. At the same time, 62 percent say American Muslims are […]
National debt is new hot issue for evangelicals
By Tracy Gordon — February 16, 2011
WASHINGTON (RNS) Many economists warn that the government’s huge national debt is a looming threat to long-term prosperity. But is it also immoral? According to a growing number of conservative Christians, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” As Washington debates President Obama’s proposed 2012 budget, the morality of the deficit has become the hot topic […]
COMMENTARY: The relatives we wish we didn’t have
By Tracy Gordon — February 16, 2011
(RNS) In an age not given to nuance, the undiscerning among us conclude that all Muslims are radical terrorists intent on waging a war against America. They also fail to make distinctions between different kinds of Christians. Unfortunately when it comes to religion, none of us gets to choose our representatives. It’s what I saw […]
Report: U.S. churches continue growth, decline trends
By Tracy Gordon — February 16, 2011
(RNS) While mainline Protestant churches in the U.S. continue to experience decades-long decline, the memberships of Pentecostal traditions are on the rise, according to new figures compiled by the National Council of Churches. The Roman Catholic Church (No. 1) and the Southern Baptist Convention (No. 2) are still significantly larger than all other North American […]
Greek church sues for right to rebuild at disputed Ground Zero site
By Tracy Gordon — February 16, 2011
(RNS) Greek Orthodox officials on Monday (Feb. 14) filed suit against the agency charged with rebuilding Ground Zero over the disputed fate of tiny St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, which was destroyed by falling debris on 9/11. Negotiations between St. Nicholas leaders and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey abruptly ended two […]
Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Daniel Burke — February 15, 2011
Hope everyone had a nice St. Valentine’s day. Even if you were alone, your V day was probably better than the 80 poor Malaysian Muslims who were rounded up in a police crackdown to prevent pre-marital sex. If found guilty (of what, Reuters does not say) they could face two years in jail. If you […]
When marriages are eternal, single and divorced Mormons struggle
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) To many Americans, religious or not, chastity before marriage is a quaint tradition at best and emotionally damaging at worst. After all, more than 90 percent of men and women, according to Guttmacher Institute surveys during the past 50 years, have reported engaging in premarital sex. And the older a single […]
COMMENTARY: Let my people go
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
(RNS) At different points during his downfall, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak tried the diversionary tactics favored by autocrats. He blamed the Internet for bringing in dangerous outside influences, and blamed foreigners on the ground for stirring up his citizens. Unfortunately for him, his opponents were too well-informed, too savvy in using powerful technology, too capable […]
The New Class and Religion
By Mark Silk — February 15, 2011
One of the sovereign beliefs of the culture warriors of the right is that the problem with America is that it is in the grip of over-educated elites who don’t uphold the traditional values of God and country. Especially God. And one of the sovereign beliefs of the culture warriors of the left is that […]
Top church official indicted in Philly abuse probe
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
(RNS) Advocates for victims of clergy sexual abuse are hailing the indictment of a senior Roman Catholic official in the U.S. on charges of endangering the welfare of a child for failing to remove abusive priests from ministry. The accusations against Monsignor William Lynn, former vicar for clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, represent the […]
Child in faith-healing case continues to improve
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
OREGON CITY, Ore. (RNS) A 13-month-old child who faced blindness in one eye after her parents treated her with prayer instead of seeking medical care continues to improve, a state caseworker told a juvenile court. Doctors treating Alayna Wyland said a growth over the girl’s left eye continues to shrink. Her vision is now 20/360, […]
Report: Churches, charities not in competition for dollars
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
(RNS) Houses of worship and other charities often aren’t in competition for dollars but instead tend to reap donations from similar donors, a new study shows. Slightly more than 50 percent of people who financially supported congregations also gave to at least one charitable organization in the last year, according to a study conducted by […]
For Muslim nominee, an unorthodox path to N.J. court
By Tracy Gordon — February 15, 2011
TRENTON, N.J. (RNS) Sohail Mohammed doesn’t work for a big-name law firm. He holds a GED diploma, and he practiced engineering for years before he thought about working in a courtroom. Mohammed, 47, an immigrant from southern India, however, does have experience in dealing with law enforcement. Since graduating from Seton Hall University School of […]
