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
For many, holy days have become family ‘holidays’
Wanted: CEO pope to clean up unholy mess at Vatican
Choosing a new pope? There’s a Spotify playlist for that
ANALYSIS: Vatican intrigue is age-old part of papal politics
‘So help me God’ isn’t in official presidential oath
Newtown shootings renew questions about evil and suffering
Pope tweets a blessing and answers questions on faith
(RNS) At 5:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday (Dec. 12), Pope Benedict XVI reached out to the world of digital seekers — 140 characters at a time. He began with a blessing: "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart." By Cathy Lynn Grossman / USA Today.
‘Are you my mother?’ Sometimes, there’s no easy answer
(RNS) In a classic 1960 children's book, a baby bird toddles up to one critter after another asking, "Are you my mother?'' For some babies today, there's no simple answer -- biologically or legally. By Cathy Lynn Grossman / USA Today.
Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan GOP ticket reflects religious shift
(RNS) The 2012 GOP ticket _ two Christians who are neither evangelical nor mainline Protestants _ isn't a major marker of social change, experts say, but rather a refection of today's wider, less brand-specific Christian culture. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Catholics pray for Paul Ryan’s, Joe Biden’s change of heart
(RNS) Some Wisconsin Catholics are praying both Catholic vice presidential candidates will have a religious epiphany. They want GOP Rep. Paul Ryan to change his mind and heart about his deep-cuts budget and Vice President Biden to turn against abortion rights. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Update: Billy Graham released from N.C. hospital
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (RNS) Evangelist Billy Graham, 93, was released from a North Carolina hospital after he developed a fever Saturday night (Aug. 11) and is now being treated for bronchitis, said his longtime spokesman, A. Larry Ross. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Survey finds record 19 percent of religiously unaffiliated Americans
(RNS) Unbelief is on the uptick. People who check "None" for their religious affiliation are now nearly one in five Americans (19 percent), the highest ever documented, according to the Pew Center for the People and the Press. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Philadelphia trial revives Catholic Church sex abuse scandal
(RNS) Ten years ago, the Roman Catholic sex abuse scandal dominated the headlines with horrific stories of priests preying on vulnerable youths and a church hierarchy more concerned with protecting clergy instead of kids. Now, it's back. A Philadelphia jury is deliberating whether, for the first time, a high-ranking church official will be held criminally accountable. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
More churches turning to high-tech outreach
(RNS) Christ Fellowship in McKinney, Texas, offers worshippers a Facebook page, online sermons, live chats, QR codes — things that signal ``a willingness to meet new challenges,'' expert Scott Thumma says, as churches aim to expand their reach by using cutting-edge technology. By Cathy Lynn Grossman/USA Today.
