Monthly Archives: July 2012
Tired of all those weddings?
Here’s an antidote for "marriage fatigue" -- Michael Kelly writes about his daughter’s wedding — a decade after Bridget Kelly was nearly murdered. Just read it.
Muslim group, CAIR, regains tax-exempt status
(RNS) The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a national Muslim civil rights group that has frequently drawn fire from conservatives, has regained its tax-exempt status. By Bob Smietana.
Pennsylvania pastor and church charged in mock raid, kidnapping
(RNS) It was supposed to be a realistic lesson on the dangers missionaries face overseas. Now a church faces kidnapping and assault charges after a mock raid terrorized a youth group participant. By Monica Von Dobeneck.
In gay marriage fight, some companies take a stand
(RNS) In an unconventional move, a number of high-profile business executives have come out on the issue of gay marriage. By Laura Petrecca.
1 in 5 Americans Now Says No to Religion
According to a Pew survey released this month, 19% of Americans can be classified as "nones," confessing no religion. People in the church have responded with predictable handwringing and frustration to the idea of secularization, while secular "free thought" blogs are crowing that the end of affiliation in America means the death of faith. Both sides are wrong.
Author celebrates lives of Islam’s four noble women
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) Shahada Sharelle Abdul Haqq said she became interested in studying Islam when she learned how the Quran protects the rights of women. Her new book celebrates the lives of Islam's female role models. By Kay Campbell.
Monday’s Religion News Roundup: Olympic firsts; Romney in Israel; LCWR meeting
A series of Olympic firsts for Muslim women. Mitt Romney goes to Israel. American nuns prepare to confront the Vatican.
Mormon Democrats in Utah
Before it became a state in 1896, Utah had two political parties--the Peoples Party for the Mormons and the Liberal Party for those they called Gentiles. And over the past few decades, the state has pretty much restored that old political order, with the Saints gathered unto the GOP and Democratic Party largely confined to the, uh, Gentiles
Bible museum closes $50 million deal for D.C. spot
WASHINGTON (RNS) Planners of a Bible museum in Washington closed a $50 million deal Thursday on a building a few blocks from the National Mall. By Adelle M. Banks.
Scotland to legalize gay marriage by 2015
(RNS/ENInews) Scotland announced it will allow same-sex weddings as early as 2015, becoming the first country in the United Kingdom to do so. By Trevor Grundy.
Catholic priest suggests Satan made James Holmes a killer
(RNS) A Catholic priest has suggested that Satan may have driven accused killer James Holmes to open fire at a Colorado cinema, continuing the religious debate over a shooting that claimed 12 lives and wounded 58 more. By David Gibson.
Friday Religion News Roundup: Muslim Brotherhood allegations; Billy Graham and Chick-fil-A; praying for rain
The 30th Olympiad begins. Religious groups condemn allegations by Michelle Bachmann. A majority of Americans would vote for an atheist.
Religious roots of trees branch into many faiths
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) Whether believers realize it or not, the trees near their houses of worship have religious roots. By Lisa Schencker.
Women’s Gymnastics Predictions for the US Olympic Team
Yeah, so this post has nothing to do with religion. But it's the Olympics, people! As someone who has spent way too many hours watching gymnastics, I'm gearing up for the Olympics like it's a part-time job. Here's a viewer's guide to the U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team.
Muslim man murdered in India’s Assam state
Clashes have broken out between the Bodo people and a nearby Muslim community. One Muslim man was first shot and then hacked to death in front of his young wife; his killers were sending a message. The murder of four Bodo men, allegedly by Muslims, sparked the clashes. Al Jazeera's Prerna Suri reports