Emily McFarlan Miller
Emily McFarlan Miller is a national reporter for RNS based in Chicago. She covers evangelical and mainline Protestant Christianity.
All Stories by Emily McFarlan Miller
United Methodist clergywomen ask church to reopen sexual misconduct case against elder
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 23, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 15, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 15, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 14, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 13, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Alejandra Molina — January 10, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 10, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 8, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 3, 2020
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 3, 2020
(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?
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 23, 2019
(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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 17, 2019
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’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 16, 2019
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
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 16, 2019
(RNS) — A number of new Advent resources available this year admit a bleak midwinter spirit, drawing attention to grief and injustice.
Actor Mark Ruffalo blends film and faith-fueled activism in ‘Dark Waters’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 10, 2019
(RNS) — The actor said his own diverse faith background not only motivated him to take on the starring role in "Dark Waters" and to produce the film, but it has also grounded his activism over the years.
