Monthly Archives: July 2014
More than 100 religious, immigration activists arrested at White House
By Adelle M. Banks — July 31, 2014
(RNS) “I think standing outside the White House will make a difference,” said Sister Eileen Campbell of the Sisters of Mercy, joining others in an act of civil disobedience to protest deportations and seek relief for 11 million immigrants living illegally in the country.
Jesuits tell their alumni in Congress: Protect border children
By David Gibson — July 31, 2014
(RNS) "Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus when he said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,'" Jesuit leader Thomas H. Smolich admonished House members who graduated from Jesuit schools and colleges.
Quote of the Day: Consecrated virgin Linda Ann Long
By Ron Ribiat — July 31, 2014
“While I’m often alone with my divine spouse, I’m almost never lonely.” — Linda Ann Long, a retired cardiologist in Minneapolis and a consecrated virgin in the Roman Catholic Church, speaking at a panel in Philadelphia about her vocation. She was quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Satanists’ challenge to Hobby Lobby ruling may face legal hurdles
By Kimberly Winston — July 31, 2014
(RNS) Satanists' attack on the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision with a letter protesting "informed consent" abortion laws as a burden to their religious beliefs may be a toothless challenge.
Mommy, minister and unmarried: Single mothers in the pulpit
By Lauren Markoe — July 31, 2014
(RNS) According to federal statistics, 41 percent of births are to unmarried mothers. But what if the single mom by choice is a minister, or a rabbi?
Condition Worsens for American Missionary with Ebola
By Religion News LLC — July 31, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The condition of Nancy Writebol, a missionary who recently contracted Ebola while serving in Liberia, has worsened, according to SIM (www.simusa.org), the Christian missions organization with which she serves. She continues her battle against the deadly virus. Writebol was serving alongside Dr. Kent Brantly on a joint team of people with Samaritan’s […]
Creationists’ Achilles’ heel? Dealing with animal suffering
By Jonathan Merritt — July 31, 2014
A Fulbright scholar contends that animal suffering and death presents a formidable challenge for Christian creationists and Biblical literalists.
Krista Tippett’s ‘On Being’ honored by White House for engaging listeners on what it means to be human
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 31, 2014
(RNS) In its citation, the White House said Krista Tippett’s show “avoids easy answers, embracing complexity and inviting people of all faiths, no faith, and every background to join the conversation.”
Meriam Ibrahim leaves Italy for new life in New Hampshire
By Josephine McKenna — July 31, 2014
ROME (RNS) The 26-year-old and her family are expected to join Wani’s brother, Gabriel, and his wife and three children in Manchester, N.H., where they run the nonprofit organization South Sudan Community of New Hampshire.
Archbishop Nienstedt sets himself the lowest of bars
By Mark Silk — July 31, 2014
Rome shouldn't let him get away with it.
Calvary’s Brendan Gleeson: An Irish priest lives into universal themes
By Laura Turner — July 31, 2014
CALVARY, a drama about an Irish priest and the eccentric small town he ministers to, will be released August 1. I talked with its star, Brendan Gleeson, and its writer/director, John Michael McDonagh.
Atheist TV: Who is the Richard Dawkins-endorsed channel really trying to reach?
By Chris Stedman — July 31, 2014
The first channel specifically for atheists launched this week. But their decision to feature figures like Richard Dawkins and Jaclyn Glenn so prominently has guest columnist Sarah Jones wondering which atheists the channel is designed to attract.
Morning Jew * Nienstedt doubles down * Papal politics : Thursday’s Roundup
By Kevin Eckstrom — July 31, 2014
(RNS) Pope Francis is the latest victim of Washington's political dysfunction. New York City can't seem to get it together (maybe that explains Mika's misstep), and St. Marianne is back in Hawaii. All that and more in today's Roundup.
In a world of sectarian violence, what can be done?
By Charles C. Haynes — July 30, 2014
Faith leaders testify in support of EPA’s Clean Power Plan
By Heather Adams — July 30, 2014
(RNS) Twenty-six faith leaders showed their support of the Clean Power Plan through prayer and public witness at the Environmental Protection Agency public hearings. The Clean Power Plan was proposed June 2 under President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
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