Monthly Archives: July 2013
Pope surprises on women, gays, marriage
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — July 29, 2013
Reactions to Pope Francis's surprise comments on women, marriage, and gays in the Catholic Church.
Amazon Associates for Bloggers & Authors
By Jana Riess — July 29, 2013
The Amazon Associates probably won’t make you rich as an author or blogger, but you might get some free books — and vital information about your readers — by signing up.
Is Eric Metaxas the next Chuck Colson?
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 29, 2013
(RNS) Eric Metaxas took over some of Coloson's roles, including part of BreakPoint, a radio show Metaxas wrote for in the late '90s. He took Colson’s place on the board of the Manhattan Declaration, a movement Colson helped found to focus Christians’ attention on life, marriage and religious freedom issues, too. But comparisons to Colson go only so far.
Pope Francis announces next WYD location
By Religion News LLC — July 28, 2013
July 28, 2013 Atlanta – Pope Francis announced today that the 2016 World Youth Day will be in Krakow, Poland. The Catholic Pilgrim Office has itineraries for your perusal at this time as well as an opportunity to create a customized itinerary that you envision for your pilgrimage. Please visit the website at: http://wyd.catholicpilgrimoffice.com/ Contact To […]
Pope delights crowds with his informality, message of reform
By Janet Tappin Coelho — July 27, 2013
Though beset by heavy rain and chilly temperatures that forced last-minute venue changes and compelled many to wear winter clothes, the weather did nothing to dampen participants' enthusiasm for Pope Francis.
Why there should be humanist chaplains
By Mark Silk — July 26, 2013
This week the House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Defense Appropriations Act to bar the military from hiring humanist chaplains -- or, as the bill's sponsor, Rep. John C. Fleming, R-La, put it, "atheist chaplains."
Beyond #WhiteHouseIftar: 6 points towards a principled action of solidarity
By Omid Safi — July 26, 2013
Here are six concrete points and strategies to help us continue a principled and constructive conversation about #whitehouseiftars. In the last thirty years, we as Muslims have had intense conversations about our multiple and overlapping identities as Americans and as Muslims. What kind of America we want to belong to? An America that is an Empire, or a land of liberty and rights? If it is the latter, words will not suffice. We need to be participants in making that a reality.
NC Muslims hope Gov. Pat McCrory vetoes anti-Shariah bill
By Omar Sacirbey — July 26, 2013
(RNS) If Gov. Pat McCrory signs the bill, North Carolina would become the seventh state to have an anti-Shariah law, joining Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. In May, Alabama lawmakers approved a like-minded constitutional amendment that state voters will consider in 2014.
Pope to Brazilians: Don’t ignore the periphery
By Janet Tappin Coelho — July 26, 2013
(RNS) Maria da Penha dos Santos was waiting outside with her husband, daughter and granddaughter when the pope stopped in. She introduced him to 20 of her family members who squeezed inside the tiny shanty for about 10 minutes. “I said, welcome Pope Francisco," Santos said. "The house is yours.”
Prominent American Jews embrace Kerry peace talks
By Michele Chabin — July 26, 2013
(RNS) In a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the 140 signatories -- including former Sen. Joseph Lieberman; professor Alan Dershowitz; philanthropist Charles Bronfman; and Republican Jewish Coalition board member Morris W. Offit -- said they appreciated the risks the government is taking to achieve peace.
Following scandal, Archbishop Justin Welby offers to open credit unions
By Trevor Grundy — July 26, 2013
(RNS) Archbishop Justin Welby has offered to open credit unions, which charge much lower annual percentage rates than Wonga, in as many as 16,000 churches.
Faith and the fight to get sober: An interview with Heather Kopp
By Jonathan Merritt — July 26, 2013
Heather Kopp, a former self-described "Christian drunk," shares her incredible story of faith and recovery.
Quote of the Day: Stephen Ward, Mormon missionary
By Ron Ribiat — July 26, 2013
“From a religious standpoint, I’d like to say that God has something in store for me and that there’s a reason I’m still here,” Stephen Ward said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. “I count myself very lucky and very blessed to have been able to survive so many things.” –Stephen Ward, a […]
Rest in Peace, Cherie Woodworth; You Will Be Missed
By Jana Riess — July 26, 2013
Cherie Woodworth, a historian friend who was about my age, died this week of cancer. Let's all hold our old friends just a little bit closer, OK?
COMMENTARY: Naming rites link parents to God’s creative work
By Rev. Christopher Keating — July 26, 2013
(RNS) George Alexander Louis’ parents presented him with a name, but also with an identity. In selecting the name George, the young royals showed continuity with the British monarchy. Yet they also did something far greater than that: They offered a blessing to their son.
