Cathy Lynn Grossman

Cathy Lynn Grossman specializes in stories drawn from research and statistics on religion, spirituality and ethics. She also writes frequently on biomedical ethics and end-of-life-issues

All Stories by Cathy Lynn Grossman

Breaking bread in faith and love

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 16, 2013
(RNS) Two new books celebrate the significance of gathering at the family table. They offer recipes drawn from well-known Christian pastors and Jewish food traditions.

Mainline Protestants: Vintage or vibrant?

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 15, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) When Religion News Service readers took up Carol Howard Merritt's quest to re-brand mainline Protestants, our unscientific survey opened the door to spirited fans and critics alike.

U.S. Jews diverge on Israel: Strong ties despite disagreements

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 9, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) From the Orthodox to the unreligious, U.S. Jews feel deeply connected to Israel even if they "struggle with Israel's realities." That's a Jewish struggle, said one rabbi: It is "an act of love; it is not an act of disengagement.”

Video: Have a little faith

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 9, 2013
"In this first episode of Have a Little Faith, self-proclaimed religious idiot Zach Anner heads to the Islamic center of Southern California, to visit with 19 year old Marwa, and join her afternoon prayer."

Take your pick: Give mainline Protestants a new name

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 4, 2013
(RNS) Carol Merritt thinks mainline Protestants could use some rebranding to convey their rising diversity and social justice leadership. Here are a couple of suggestions. Pick one or add your own.

Video: It’s complicated – Jews on Pew

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 3, 2013
"The new study of American Jews by the Pew research Center shows how complicated Jewish identity is right now."

Meet the ‘Nominals’ who are drifting from Judaism and Christianity

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 1, 2013
(RNS) Vague Jews and "mushy Christians" have a lot in common. Survey after survey finds many people who don't know or care about doctrine or practice still proudly claim a religious brand identity.

Survey: Being Jewish means being funny, and that’s no joke

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 1, 2013
(RNS) Did you hear the one about the new survey of American Jews? No, seriously: the report finds humor is one of the main qualities that four in 10 of the nation’s Jews say is essential to their identity -- right up their with support for Israel. Who knew?

Survey: Hispanics like Pope Francis and the Democratic Party

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — September 27, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) Hot button issues with conservative Christians, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, are not as critical to Hispanics. Topping their list of critical issues: jobs and unemployment, health care costs and the quality of public schools.

After years of decline, Catholics see rise in number of future priests

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — September 24, 2013
(RNS) Young men today “want to give their life for something that counts. These men are tired of living in a culture of relativism. They want to say there must be something true, beautiful and good," says the Rev. Mark Latcovich, president of St. Mary Seminary outside Cleveland.

Reactions to the Navy Yard shooting and Aaron Alexis’ Buddhist background

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — September 17, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) A killer Buddhist? It doesn’t seem to make theological sense.

Vitriol infests Rick Warren family’s grief

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 8, 2013
(RNS) A shocking number of people are taking the moment of media attention to lash out at Rick Warren on their digital tom-toms following the suicide of Warren's son, Matthew.

Pope Francis: Church must act decisively on sex abuse

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 5, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis called on the various national bishops' conferences around the world to step up to disciplining priests and serving abuse victims, a possible indication that he will move from a strongly centralized church government to one that places increased authority locally.

Pope Francis a huge hit with U.S. Catholics (for now)

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 4, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Pope Francis is known now for his keep-it-simple style and focus on the poor. But once he starts making appointments and taking action, his favorable ratings may change.

Cardinal Dolan: Catholic Church could do better on gay outreach

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 1, 2013
(RNS) New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan says the Catholic Church needs to do a better job on not demonizing gays and lesbians, and a gay Catholic leader calls it an "Easter miracle."
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