Controversial comedy ‘Faith Based’ pokes fun at Christian films — to a point
(RNS) — ‘Faith Based’ is a new satirical film about the Christian film industry that premiered this past weekend at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
United Methodist clergywomen ask church to reopen sexual misconduct case against elder
(RNS) — More than five dozen young United Methodist clergywomen are circulating an open letter claiming there was no justice in the denomination’s 'just resolution' process for the four women who accused the Rev. Donald 'Bud' Heckman of sexual misconduct.
Federal judge blocks executive order on refugees in lawsuit by three faith-based organizations
(RNS) — The preliminary injunction is part of HIAS v. Trump, a lawsuit by three faith-based organizations against the US government over the order.
Open Doors warns of 'rise of the surveillance state' as North Korea tops watch list again
(RNS) — This year, Christian watchdog organization Open Doors USA is highlighting the ‘rise of the surveillance state’ and its impact on Christians and Muslims in China in its 2019 World Watch List, released Wednesday (Jan. 15).
Teach your children well: Viral tweet sparks debate over passing on faith
(RNS) — A viral tweet sparked a conversation among Christians about the morality of parents passing on the faith to their children.
Why schism? United Methodist leaders explain proposal to split the denomination
(RNS) — Participants offered a behind-the-scenes look at how they arrived at a proposal, announced earlier this month, that would allow conservative United Methodist churches and conferences to split from the denomination over their beliefs barring LGBTQ United Methodists from ordination and marriage.
Students expelled over same-sex marriages sue Fuller for discrimination
(RNS) — In an amended complaint filed this week, two former students allege Fuller Theological Seminary violated anti-discrimination laws when it expelled them after learning they were married to people of the same sex.
Why Jewish mediator Kenneth Feinberg wants to save the United Methodist Church
(RNS) — 'I thought that the church and what it stands for and its impact on the day-to-day lives of people was important and that we should step up and try and preserve that, which hopefully we've done,' says Feinberg.
Most states agree to admit refugees as judge hears lawsuit to stop resettlement order
(RNS) — A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday (Jan. 8) in the lawsuit by three faith-based organizations against the federal government over a recent executive order allowing state and local officials to block refugee resettlement.
United Methodist #MeToo complaint against Bud Heckman settled
(RNS) — A United Methodist clergyman accused of sexual misconduct has ‘retired under complaint,’ ending the denomination’s judicial process against the Rev. Donald ‘Bud’ Heckman.
United Methodist leaders propose plan to split church over LGBTQ ordination, marriage
(RNS) — Bishops and representatives of a number of United Methodist groups have announced a proposed agreement to split the United Methodist Church.
Do humanists celebrate Christmas?
(RNS) — Ethical humanist leader Anne Klaeysen on what people of any faith or no faith can take from the Christmas story and how the holidays can unite the country.
Beatles music, Christmas story come together at suburban Chicago church
NAPERVILLE, Illinois (RNS) — 'Let It Be Christmas: The Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo' sets the story of Jesus’ birth, which Christians celebrate at Christmas, to the music of the Beatles.
Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald sues radio host 'Mancow'
CHICAGO (RNS) — MacDonald is suing Chicago radio personality Erich ‘Mancow’ Muller for defamation after the radio host used his show to — in the host’s words — ‘bring down the cult of MacDonald.’
The original ‘Blue Christmas’: New Advent resources focus on grief, justice before celebration
(RNS) — A number of new Advent resources available this year admit a bleak midwinter spirit, drawing attention to grief and injustice.