All Stories by G. Jeffrey MacDonald
Surveys show sharp differences between Jews in US and Israel
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — June 14, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — While most Israeli Jews recognize the Jewishness of their American counterparts, the majority do not share the Americans' dreams to make Israel a more religiously pluralistic country.
White House iftar dinner marks opportunity for Muslims
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — June 6, 2018
(RNS) — Muslim Americans should rise above bitterness against Trump and exercise this opportunity to communicate clearly what our vision is for a better America and a better world. That is what Ramadan is all about.
Church in Congo suspends sacraments as Ebola spreads
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — June 5, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Catholics will not be baptized, confirmed, ordained or anointed until further notice in the country’s northwestern regions hardest hit by the outbreak.
United Methodist annual conferences meet with denomination’s future in flux
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — June 4, 2018
(RNS) As the United Methodist Church's season of annual conference meetings approaches, a moment of reckoning looms with the denomination’s long-debated conflict over homosexuality – whether to ordain gay clergy, whether clergy can marry same-sex partners, and related issues.
Murderer makes repentance in new role as prison imam
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — May 18, 2018
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. (RNS) — Now 11 years into his imprisonment, Naveed Haq is the new imam for the Airway Heights Correctional Main Facility in Airway Heights, Wash. In his new role, he's trying to lead by example in conveying remorse to those he hurt.
To keep churches safe, government gets involved
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — January 29, 2018
(RNS) — 'My job as the shepherd of the church is to protect the flock. And I will do so with whatever means I need,' said Richard Reid, pastor of North Baptist Church in Brockton, Mass.