Monthly Archives: August 2008
HHS issues proposed conscience rules on health care workers
By Tracy Gordon — August 23, 2008
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued proposed rules on protecting health care workers who object to performing certain procedures-including abortion-for religious or moral reasons.
Rabbi Marc Schneier
By Tracy Gordon — August 22, 2008
Tensions in the seaside hamlet of Westhampton Beach, N.Y., have reached a boiling point this summer over allegations of anti-Semitism and religious encroachment. Rabbi Marc Schneier’s request in April to build an eruv around his synagogue triggered a backlash from some in the community, a vacation hotspot for wealthy New Yorkers, and prompted Gov. David […]
The pope’s “trustworthy guide”
By Francis X. Rocca — August 22, 2008
Benedict pays tribute to his older brother Georg, his companion in the “last stage” of life.
We are the sequel we’ve been waiting for
By Kevin Eckstrom — August 22, 2008
Just when when it looked like all hope was lost, the skies opened, the seas parted, a great light shone down, and John McCain’s campaign delivered us this piece de resistance, a special minute-and-a-half sequel to the celebrated opening act, “The One.” Perhaps this will be the video that finally wins over Timothy Lahaye. See […]
Jesus was a skeet shooter
By Kevin Eckstrom — August 22, 2008
In case you missed it, Wednesday’s New York Times featured a front page story on U.S. Olympic archery coach, Kisk Lee. Lee, a devout Christian, has been a witness at the baptism of three of the team’s five archers. He has been accused of proselytizing by some, and drawn a warning from the United States […]
Race for `white space’ pits churches vs. techies
By Mallika Rao — August 22, 2008
c. 2008 Religion News Service WASHINGTON _ A race for an invisible prize is pitting America’s largest churches against the giants of technology. At stake are unlicensed television airwaves, or “white spaces,” the fuzzy channels between one network TV station and the next. The arena is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and populated by […]
The futile search for Billy Graham’s successor
By Dick Staub — August 22, 2008
c. 2008 Religion News Service (UNDATED) Having spent his life in the limelight, Billy Graham now lives at his mountain retreat in relative seclusion, while down below there is a clamor to crown his successor. (By the way, I should say at the outset, this is a subject that holds zero interest for Graham himself.) […]
RNS Daily Digest
By RNS Blog Editor — August 22, 2008
c. 2008 Religion News Service Most Americans think churches should avoid politics (RNS) A slim majority of Americans, including rising numbers of conservatives, say churches should stay out of politics, according to a survey released Thursday (Aug. 21) by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Fifty-two percent of Americans say they […]
N.J. court says conversations with pastors not always privileged
By Tracy Gordon — August 22, 2008
A conversation with a religious leader is not protected from being revealed in court unless it occurred in private and the leader was acting as a spiritual adviser, a New Jersey appeals court ruled Wednesday (Aug. 20).
Most Americans think churches should avoid politics
By Tracy Gordon — August 22, 2008
A slim majority of Americans, including rising numbers of conservatives, say churches should stay out of politics, according to a survey released Thursday (Aug. 21) by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
Publisher defends decision to pull Muhammad novel
By Tracy Gordon — August 22, 2008
Random House is defending its decision to pull a new novel that explores the personal life of the prophet Muhammad, citing concerns about offending Muslims and inciting violence.
COMMENTARY: The futile search for Billy Graham’s successor
By Tracy Gordon — August 22, 2008
(UNDATED) Having spent his life in the limelight, Billy Graham’s final days are being lived out at his mountain retreat in relative seclusion, while down below there is a clamor to crown his successor. The very diversity, and frankly incompatibility, of the names mentioned thus far raise an important question: Just what are the qualifications […]
Strang drops DNC benediction plans
By Adelle M. Banks — August 22, 2008
There’s been an update since we blogged about the announced lineup of people giving invocations and benedictions at next week’s Democratic National Convention. Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant magazine, has decided not to give the benediction on Monday after all, OrlandoSentinel.com reports. “If my praying at the DNC was perceived as showing favoritism and incorrectly […]
Comeback crusaders
By Francis X. Rocca — August 21, 2008
Now even the Vatican’s official newspaper is proclaiming the innocence of the Knights Templar. Maybe Pope Benedict is preparing to settle?
Catholic politicians and abortion (cont’d)
By Francis X. Rocca — August 21, 2008
If anyone thought that moving to the Vatican would silence former St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke on the abortion-Communion question … it hasn’t.
