Lauren Markoe
Lauren Markoe has been a national reporter for RNS since 2011. Previously she covered government and politics as a daily reporter at the Charlotte Observer and The State (Columbia, S.C.)
All Stories by Lauren Markoe
Zimmerman Gun Raffle * Machine Gun Preacher * Is Yoga Religious? : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — October 29, 2013
A gun rights group planned to raffle off the same model of gun used to kill Trayvon Martin -- and a Bible. The "machine gun preacher" gets a big award. And a court tries to decide whether yoga is religious.
Suzan Johnson Cook defends her work on religious freedom and explains why she left
By Lauren Markoe — October 28, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) The Obama administration's ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom is hoping to make more money in the private sector.
Leaders push for free Jewish preschool in US, Canada
By Lauren Markoe — October 24, 2013
(RNS) To keep younger Jews connected to Judaism, top Jewish leaders are pushing free Jewish preschool for all Jewish American children -- what they call a “Jewish Head Start.”
American Jews say others face more discrimination
By Lauren Markoe — October 24, 2013
(RNS) American Jews say they face discrimination in the U.S., but they see Muslims, gays and blacks facing far more.
Oprah vs. Atheists * Welby vs. Big Energy * Gay vs. Tennessee : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — October 22, 2013
Oprah rejects Diana Nyad's atheism. The Archbishop of Canterbury rejects Big Energy's big profits. And gay spouses reject Tennessee's refusal to recognize their marriages.
Suzan Johnson Cook to resign as religious freedom ambassador
By Lauren Markoe — October 16, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) During her on-again off-again nomination battle, Suzan Johnson Cook likened herself to the "Iron Lady," former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: "Change the name. It's mine now."
Tattoo Jesus * Sikh Challenger * Yarmulke Pass : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — October 15, 2013
A tattooed Jesus, emblazoned with our sins. A Sikh challenger for Paul Ryan. And why it may be perfectly respectful to pass on the yarmulke in a sacred Jewish space.
Conservative Judaism turns 100 and works to reverse its decline
By Lauren Markoe — October 9, 2013
(RNS) As Conservative Judaism approaches its 100th birthday, it confronts a set of statistics that bode poorly for its future as the anchor in the center of American Jewish life.
Fox News Apology * Catholic Sackings * Yale Humanists: Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — October 8, 2013
Fox News is sorry for publicizing a false report that links President Obama to a Muslim museum. Catholic schools are firing gay teachers, and the laity isn't liking it. Yale Humanists face rejection from the campus religious community.
When Catholic schools fire gay teachers, laity push back
By Lauren Markoe — October 7, 2013
(RNS) The firing of a gay teacher's from a Catholic school used to be a private affair. But with a majority of Catholics supporting the spread of legalized gay marriage, more and more, the laity is calling the church out.
UPDATE: Hobby Lobby apologizes, says it will carry Jewish holiday items
By Lauren Markoe — October 3, 2013
(RNS) “We sincerely apologize for any employee comments that may have offended anyone, especially our Jewish customers and friends. Comments like these do not reflect the feelings of our family or Hobby Lobby."
Is Christian-owned Hobby Lobby boycotting Hanukkah?
By Lauren Markoe — October 1, 2013
(RNS) The national craft store owned by conservative billionaire Steve Green seemingly refuses to carry merchandise related to Hanukkah because of Green’s “Christian values,” and some Jews are taking offense.
Government Shutdown * Who’s A Jew * Instagram Pope: Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — October 1, 2013
Prayers for an end to the shutdown. A landmark study on American Jews. And Pope Francis, now on Instagram!
Who’s a Jew? Few American Jews say it’s a matter of belief
By Lauren Markoe — October 1, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) What's the most defining trait of what it means to be a Jew in America? Just 15 percent say it involves religious belief, according to a new study.
Hobby Lobby’s Steve Green unveils ‘oldest Jewish prayer book ever found’
By Lauren Markoe — September 26, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) The 9th century prayerbook -- a rare complete codex in its original tan-colored binding -- includes a listing of the 100 Benedictions, or blessings some observant Jews say daily.
