Lauren Markoe
Lauren Markoe has been a national reporter for RNS since 2011. Previously she covered government and politics as a daily reporter at the Charlotte Observer and The State (Columbia, S.C.)
All Stories by Lauren Markoe
The Slingshot: Blue Christmas; Pregnant teens; Jerusalem vote
By Lauren Markoe — December 19, 2017
Some churches are offering Christmastime services for those who are in no mood for holiday cheer. A judge rules that two undocumented teenagers have a right to abortions. On a UN Jerusalem vote, the US stands alone.
Celebrating Hanukkah where the dominant winter holiday isn’t Christmas
By Lauren Markoe — December 12, 2017
(RNS) — Hanukkah in the Holy Land gives Jews who have immigrated to Israel a sense of belonging they don’t feel anywhere else.
The Slingshot: ‘Bama votes; Prince Charles’ church; Hanukkah questions
By Lauren Markoe — December 12, 2017
In Alabama, a Baptist church skews left. When Charles become king, will church and state part? On Hanukkah, redefining what it means to be Jewish.
How Christmas is linked to Hanukkah
By Lauren Markoe — December 8, 2017
(RNS) — Without the Maccabees’ victory and the preservation of Jewish religious life in ancient Israel, Christianity may not have emerged 200 years later with its taproots deeply embedded within Judaism.
Cheers, rage and shrugs after Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
By Lauren Markoe — December 6, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The president made the declaration despite world leaders' warnings that the move would further incite an already volatile region and make it harder to restart peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Christian bakers? Atheist bakers? Cake meets faith at the Supreme Court
By Lauren Markoe — December 5, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As usual, Justice Anthony Kennedy appeared to be the up-for-grabs justice, offering each side reason for hope.
In Kenya, an HIV-positive pastor and his wife model new thinking about AIDS
By Lauren Markoe — December 1, 2017
NTHANGE, Kenya (RNS) — An HIV-positive Pentecostal church pastor last week married an HIV-negative woman — a union through which they hope to usher in a new era of tolerance and empathy for those who carry the virus that causes AIDS.
Trump retweets videos critical of Muslims
By Lauren Markoe — November 29, 2017
(AP) — The videos were originally tweeted by the deputy leader of an anti-immigrant British fringe group who has been charged with religiously aggravated harassment.
The Slingshot: Pope in Myanmar; God beyond gender; Prince Harry’s luck
By Lauren Markoe — November 28, 2017
Pope Francis walks a fine line in Myanmar. The largest church in Sweden says God is not a ‘he.’ Prince Harry won’t face what his great-great uncle did when he wanted to marry a divorced American.
Religion scholars turn activist in the shadow of Trump
By Lauren Markoe — November 21, 2017
(RNS) — The president did not attend the annual American Academy of Religion meeting, but he took top billing on the scholars' agenda.
The Slingshot: Conservative Christian minds; Small Christian colleges; Pope’s Myanmar risk
By Lauren Markoe — November 21, 2017
There’s a reason many conservative Christians feel comfortable dismissing the accusations against Roy Moore. Small Christian colleges are shuttering. Why some think Pope Francis should skip the trip to Myanmar.
A Catholic priest is mediating Mugabe’s departure
By Lauren Markoe — November 16, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The Rev. Fidelis Mukonori agreed on Wednesday (Nov. 15) to mediate between Mugabe and the military shortly after the country's generals arrested the 93-year-old authoritarian leader.
Roy Moore, Christocrat
By Lauren Markoe — November 14, 2017
(RNS) — For Christocrats, the sovereignty of God transcends the supremacy of the Constitution.
The Slingshot: Bible museum; Abortion case; Moore’s pastors
By Lauren Markoe — November 14, 2017
Just off the National Mall, the Museum of the Bible is huge, high-tech and ready for visitors. The Supreme Court takes a case about anti-abortion pregnancy centers. Not every pastor who supposedly signed a letter of support for Roy Moore wanted to be on it.
The Slingshot: Security for churches; Atheism under attack; Billy Graham at 99
By Lauren Markoe — November 7, 2017
In the wake of Sutherland Springs, questions about keeping houses of worship safe. Atheists wary after shooter described as a non-believer. A yearlong celebration kicks off for the 20th century’s most famous evangelist.
