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 clergyman accused of sexual misconduct, says UMNS report
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 17, 2019
(RNS) — Four women have accused the Rev. Donald “Bud” Heckman — a United Methodist elder who is well known in interfaith circles — of sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse, according to the United Methodist News Service.
As fewer refugees enter the US, one Chicago group decides to go to them
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 14, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — As fewer refugees are arriving in the United States, organizations that work with refugees — many of which are faith-based — are finding new ways to reach out to those who have been forced to flee their home countries.
Speaking of abuse: Baptist news service, Bible scholars grapple with language
By Adelle M. Banks and Emily McFarlan Miller — October 10, 2019
(RNS) — Some Christians are reassessing how to describe sexual misconduct, with an eye to owning up to the seriousness of abuse.
Christian leaders call for Day of Prayer in support of impeachment inquiry
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 8, 2019
(RNS) — More than 80 Christian leaders are calling for a National Day of Prayer this Sunday (Oct. 13) 'for the truth to be revealed through the impeachment inquiry.'
InterVarsity can require its leaders to be Christian, judge rules
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 2, 2019
(RNS) — A judge is holding three officials at the University of Iowa personally accountable to pay back InterVarsity's legal fees after the organization won its case against the campus for removing the group due to a requirement that its leaders be Christian.
‘What Do You Believe Now?’ Film follows up with millennials 17 years later
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 1, 2019
(RNS) — Filmmaker Sarah Feinbloom talked to Religion News Service about reconnecting with the millennials she interviewed 17 years ago and how their faith journeys mirror national trends.
Drop in refugee admissions met with outcry from faith-based resettlement agencies
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 27, 2019
(RNS) — The Trump administration’s announcement it would once again slash refugee admissions to the United States to unprecedented lows was met with outcry by refugee resettlement groups — many of which are faith-based.
The science of Sabbath: How people are rediscovering rest—and claiming its benefits
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 25, 2019
(RNS) — People of different faiths are rediscovering the practice of Sabbath, and some point to science suggesting such a day of rest — including time away from social media and digital devices — benefits longevity and mental health.
Tiffany Shlain wants to bring Shabbat to 21st century by resting from tech
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 25, 2019
(RNS) — Tiffany Shlain talked to Religion News Service about how she and her family began observing a Tech Shabbat, how it’s changed them and why others might consider the practice.
United Methodists float plans to split denomination after LGBTQ vote
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 19, 2019
(RNS) — The most likely proposals provide for dissenting congregations to exit the denomination, while retaining ties to United Methodist support organizations.
Parenting after faith shift, progressive Christians look for new resources
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 13, 2019
(RNS) — Faith shifts can raise even more questions for millennials and other young adults as they begin to have children.
Faith like a child: An interview with a ‘childist’ biblical scholar
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 13, 2019
(RNS) — Julie Faith Parker, associate professor of biblical studies at General Theological Seminary in New York City, is one of the pioneering scholars in the field of childist biblical interpretation — a term she helped introduce in biblical studies in the last decade.
Pastor, author and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide
By Alejandra Molina, Emily McFarlan Miller, and Roxanne Stone — September 10, 2019
(RNS) — News of Wilson’s passing followed a series of tweets he posted throughout the day Monday that dealt with suicide, including a post encouraging followers to remember that even though loving Jesus doesn’t cure mental illnesses, he does offer companionship and comfort.
For anxious young adults, religion can be a wellness tool, says new study
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 10, 2019
(RNS) — A new study by the Christian research firm Barna Group suggests faith can be an asset when dealing with mental health concerns.
Is televangelist Benny Hinn renouncing the prosperity gospel?
By Adelle M. Banks and Emily McFarlan Miller — September 6, 2019
(RNS) — Some have questioned whether Hinn's announcement is the about-face it has been presented as, pointing to similar statements he made more than a year ago.