Monthly Archives: September 2015
Planned Parenthood leader and House Republicans tangle over funding
By Reuters — September 30, 2015
Congressmen accused the group of using funds for abortion and selling fetal tissue for profit but Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards called "outrageous allegations" against Planned Parenthood "untrue."
Pope Francis, Kelly Gissendaner, & ‘unchanging faith in a changing world’
By David P. Gushee — September 30, 2015
Pope Francis and contemporary Roman Catholicism oppose the death penalty. This is a huge change. How do religious traditions decide when doctrines should, or should not, change?
Kelly Gissendaner executed despite papal appeal, 11th-hour clemency bid
By Julie Wolfe — September 30, 2015
ATLANTA — The pope called for commuting to better reflect "justice and mercy." The clemency board disagreed and Gissendaner, who had studied theology during her prison years, was executed by lethal injection.
Pope Francis met Kentucky clerk Kim Davis: ‘Stay strong!’
By David Gibson — September 30, 2015
(RNS) The pope reportedly met secretly with the born-again Christian, who has become a hero of the religious right for going to jail rather than issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.
Media Advisory: Clergy and other experts to participate in Tele-Press Conference in advance of the Synod on the Family
By Religion News LLC — September 29, 2015
WHAT – An international tele-press conference that will feature a panel of prominent Catholics who will discuss issues related to the Ordinary Synod on the Family. Such topics include: The need for a perspective that deepens respect, compassion and sensitivity when considering the pastoral care of those with same-sex attractions; The consideration of changing the […]
Podcaster with 80 million downloads says a relationship with God is all about you
By Religion News LLC — September 29, 2015
CAROL STREAM, Ill. – Brian Hardin, author and host of the highly successful DailyAudioBible.com podcast, which has 80 million downloads and 150,000 daily listeners, encourages readers to rethink, reframe and restart their relationship with God in his newest book, “Reframe: From the God We’ve Made … to God with Us” (NavPress 978-1-63146-447-8). Contrary to popular belief, […]
The ‘Splainer: What is Sukkot, and why are my Jewish neighbors eating in a shack?
By Lauren Markoe — September 29, 2015
(RNS) Today is the first full day of Sukkot, also known as the Festival of Booths. What is this holiday that makes Jews eat their meals al fresco? Let us 'Splain ...
Why repealing blasphemy laws might help promote religious freedom (ANALYSIS)
By Brandon G. Withrow — September 29, 2015
(RNS) Among those countries frequently cited by human rights groups with the most aggressive laws banning free expression are China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Fiorina and Gonzalez to make over 10 million calls to California
By Religion News LLC — September 29, 2015
Starting last Saturday, September 26, the voices of presidential candidate Carly Fiorina and LA Dodger Adrian Gonzalez may have been coming to your landline. They are asking you via automated calls to “press 1” to request petitions for the currently circulating parental notification initiative. This initiative – to go on the November 2016 ballot – […]
Christian singer Sandi Patty announces retirement, farewell tour
By Jonathan Merritt — September 29, 2015
NEW YORK (RNS) The yearlong "Forever Grateful" farewell tour begins in February and will include approximately 90 dates and a performance at Carnegie Hall.
Iconic ‘POPE’ cover moves magazines in Philadelphia
By Audrey Rose McManus — September 29, 2015
PHILADELPHIA (RNS) Philadelphia magazine crafts its own version of the Obama "Hope" poster to commemorate you-know-who's historic visit to the city.
Justin Bieber: ‘You don’t need to go to church to be a Christian’
By Laura Turner — September 29, 2015
Bieberion theology is actually pretty insightful when it comes to seeing how millennials view the church.
Where clergy need to tread: Helping make end-of-life medical choices (COMMENTARY)
By A. James Rudin — September 29, 2015
(RNS) Even a perfunctory visit to a hospital ward, ER, home for the aged, hospice or medical clinic brings a clergyperson face-to-face with the staggering ethical problems our health care system is creating.
Why hipster pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber thinks the church is for losers
By Jesse James DeConto — September 29, 2015
(RNS) Her newest book, “Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People," expands on her trademark exploration of finding God in the unexpected.
8 ‘blasphemous’ books banned for offending believers
By Brian Pellot — September 29, 2015
The Bible and Fifty Shades of Grey share more than a few raunchy sex scenes. On Banned Books Week and International Blasphemy Rights Day, these eight titles are still too hot to handle.
