Monthly Archives: January 2014
COMMENTARY: Mormon ban on alcohol not always absolute
By Pat Bagley — January 27, 2014
(RNS) Early in their history, Mormons who enjoyed the occasional tipple or chaw could get a temple recommend and enjoy all the privileges of a member in good standing.
Vial of Pope John Paul II’s blood stolen from Italian church
By Eric J. Lyman — January 27, 2014
ROME (RNS) The thief or thieves made off with a large crucifix and a gold reliquary containing the vial of the blood of John Paul, who will be proclaimed a saint in April.
Deadline – One week for 2014 Wilbur Awards
By Religion News LLC — January 27, 2014
Secular TV producers, writers, publishers and bloggers can submit work for the 2014 Wilbur Awards. The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) will accept entries through Feb. 3 for one of the oldest recognition programs for religion coverage by secular communicators. Submissions must be produced during 2013. Entry forms are available online. Award categories include newspapers, magazines, […]
‘JESUS,’ the Most Viewed Film of All Time, to Release in High-Definition for 35th Anniversary
By Religion News LLC — January 27, 2014
ORLANDO, Fla., January 27, 2014 – In honor of its 35th anniversary, “JESUS” – the most watched film in history, having been viewed billions of times – has now been re-mastered in high-definition with a complete new musical score in Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Amid a wave of biblical theatrical movies releasing this spring, this […]
The Exhausted Mormon
By Jana Riess — January 27, 2014
The Mormon "Sabbath" has devolved into a ragged and unhealthy focus on meetings, meetings, and more meetings.
When Catholic schools fire same-sex married staff
By Mark Silk — January 27, 2014
The case of Vice Principal Mark Zmuda show how difficult it will be for the Catholic church to hold its line on same-sex couples.
Update: New Jersey family sought $20,000 to name baby girl
By Tom Wright-Piersanti — January 27, 2014
LAKEWOOD, N.J. (RNS) The family asked for a Jewish name and a secular name to put on the birth certificate, the Craigslist ad said. They were hoping for something biblical, and would not accept wacky names.
Pope’s doves * Grammy weddings * Stolen blood: Monday’s Roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — January 27, 2014
Pope Francis released doves, only for them to get attacked by other birds. Queen Latifah wed 33 during Sunday's Grammy Awards. Thieves have stolen a vial of Pope John Paul II's blood.
Japanese Buddhist Leader Calls for Regional Cooperation in Response to Natural Disasters, Youth Summit on Nuclear Weapons Abolition
By Religion News LLC — January 27, 2014
TOKYO, January 27, 2014: In his annual peace proposal, “Value Creation for Global Change: Building Resilient and Sustainable Societies,” released on January 26, Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association, calls for increased regional cooperation in response to extreme weather events and natural disasters. He also proposes a comprehensive program of […]
Nazi ban * Blasphemy in Greece * Anti-gay Africa: Religious Freedom Recap: Jan. 20-27
By Brian Pellot — January 27, 2014
Israel considers a ban on Nazi symbols. Greece evokes its blasphemy laws to jail a man for poking fun of a monk on Facebook. And anti-gay laws are passed or challenged in Nigeria, Uganda and Malawi.
Best Buy commercial points way to greater Muslim acceptance
By Omar Sacirbey — January 24, 2014
(RNS) Muslims in commercials are still rare, but that could be changing as the acceptance of Muslims accelerates across America.
Pope Francis meets scandal-scarred French President Francois Hollande
By Eric J. Lyman — January 24, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The jury is still out on whether the audience with the popular pontiff would help repair Hollande's tarnished image at home.
Mike Huckabee turns ‘libido’ comments into cash
By Tobin Grant — January 24, 2014
Mike Huckabee quickly turned the media firestorm into a fundraiser for his political action committee.
Why mega-pastor Charles Stanley, 81, struggles with rejection (but not death)
By Jonathan Merritt — January 24, 2014
The iconic pastor talks with RNS about his greatest emotional struggle and whether he fears death.
Interview: Joni Eareckson Tada voice behind Oscar nominated song
By Laura Turner — January 24, 2014
Joni Eareckson Tada, a well-known Christian writer and quadriplegic, is the voice behind this year's biggest Oscar upset, the song "Alone Yet Not Alone" from the film of the same name. She talks about her surprise at the song's nomination, singing on half-capacity lungs, and what she would wear to the Academy Awards.
