Monthly Archives: August 2012
Does megachurch ‘high’ explain their success?
(RNS) A new study suggests that megachurch services produce a spiritual and biological “high” that keeps congregants coming back for more. By Chris Lisee.
United Church of Canada votes to boycott some Israeli products
OTTAWA, Canada (RNS) The United Church of Canada, the country's largest Protestant denomination, has approved a recommendation to boycott products produced in Israeli settlements within occupied Palestinian territory. By Kristine Greenaway.
Professor says he was fired from Atlanta seminary over evangelical beliefs
(RNS) A professor who was fired in July by the Interdenominational Theological Center says the Atlanta consortium of black seminaries discriminated against his conservative Christian views. By Adelle M. Banks.
Monday’s Religion News Roundup: Romney & Obama at church; Eid al-Fitr; GOP skinny dip in Galilee
Obama and Romney go to church. First lady to visit Sikh victims. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. GOP lawmakers go skinny dipping in Galilee.
Catholics pray for Paul Ryan’s, Joe Biden’s change of heart
(RNS) Some Wisconsin Catholics are praying both Catholic vice presidential candidates will have a religious epiphany. They want GOP Rep. Paul Ryan to change his mind and heart about his deep-cuts budget and Vice President Biden to turn against abortion rights. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Mormon women seeking middle ground to greater equality
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) While some Mormon feminists want access to the all-male priesthood and others see it as blasphemy, a third group of Mormon women crave a more engaged and visible role for women in the church that respects history and doesn't compromise doctrine. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Russian punk band found guilty of ‘hooliganism’ and ‘religious hatred’
(RNS/ENInews) A Moscow court on Friday found three members of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot guilty of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" for a guerrilla performance in Moscow's main cathedral. By Sophia Kishkovsky.
GUEST COMMENTARY: What Catholics can learn from the Quran
(RNS) As a Catholic who spent the month of Ramadan reading the Quran, I found the Quran inspiring me, teaching me and helping me to remember my essential holiness and how that holiness in the image of God should be reflected in the world. By Kathleen K. Duff.
Friday Religion News Roundup: Ramdan ending: sentence for Pussy Riot; Hug me Jesus
The holy month of Ramadan is drawing to a close. American policy makers should pay attention to Muslims living temporarily in the U.S. A 62-foot "Hug me Jesus" statue is being erected in Ohio.
Family Research Council accuses Southern Poverty Law Center of sparking shooter’s hatred
WASHINGTON (RNS) The head of the Family Research Council accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of sparking hatred that led Floyd Lee Corkins II to shoot a security guard at the conservative Christian lobbying group’s headquarters. By Chris Lisee.
Nuns group: We are not leaving the church
WASHINGTON (RNS) A top leader in the group of Catholic nuns who are facing a crackdown from the Vatican says her members have no plans or desire to leave the church, or reconstitute their group beyond Vatican control. By Kevin Eckstrom.
Petition fails in support of Indonesian atheist
(RNS) What was supposed to be a slamdunk for nontheists has become a slap in the face as a petition on behalf of a jailed Indonesian atheist failed to attract even one-third of the signatures it needed to gain White House attention. By Kimberly Winston.
Muslims Brace For Tense Holiday
(RNS) Following attacks on seven mosques in the last two weeks, many Muslim Americans will mark the end of Ramadan this weekend under a cloud of fear. Their leaders aren't sure how to promote safety without provoking panic. By Omar Sacirbey.
Religion News announces editors for Toledo, Hartford faith news websites
Group house gives women a place to discern their calling as nuns
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) The Archdiocese of New Orleans has launched a kind of halfway house where a woman considering a vocation can live while giving the matter thought and prayer, the first in the nation that gives would-be nuns the same environment as would-be priests. By Bruce Nolan.