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
Conservatives promote House bill to protect opponents of gay marriage
By Lauren Markoe — September 24, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) The bill signifies a shift in strategy for gay marriage opponents: Increasingly resigned to the reality that they're unlikely to stop gay marriage, they're now trying to blunt its impact by carving out explicit protections for dissenters.
Brotherhood Banned * Benedict Back * Borscht Belt : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — September 24, 2013
The Muslim Brotherhood is banned by an Egyptian court. Emeritus Pope Benedict defends himself in a letter to the editor. And capturing the ruins of the Borscht Belt's great hotels.
The ‘Pedi Sukkah’ … because who says a sukkah can’t have wheels?
By Lauren Markoe — September 19, 2013
(RNS) On the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which began on Wednesday (Sept. 18) Jews typically build temporary dwellings to evoke the shelters of the Israelites during their desert wanderings. But if you didn't build a sukkah, maybe someone will ride up to you on a Pedi Sukkah.
Al-Jazeera America * Kosher Smartphones * Honest Homeless: Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — September 18, 2013
Al-Jazeera America - so far, so American. A smartphone acceptable to ultra-Orthodox rabbis. And what a homeless man found . . . and returned.
For somber Jews on Yom Kippur, white is the new black
By Lauren Markoe — September 11, 2013
(RNS) In her simple, white linen dress, Stacey Robinson says she can heighten her experience of atonement and renewal. “I can stand now, ready, clean ... to reach out to God as God reaches out to me."
Aloha Equality * Liberation Theology * Mild Pedophilia? Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — September 10, 2013
Gay marriage in Hawaii. Liberation theology makes a comeback. And can pedophilia ever be "mild?"
Survey: Yom Kippur not as important to younger Jews
By Lauren Markoe — September 3, 2013
(RNS) In these Days of Awe, as Jews call the 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we asked students and staff at Hillel to share their thoughts on the Jewish holidays and why so many Jews picked Yom Kippur as their favorite holiday.
Pledge in Court * Christians on Syria* Pope Takes Selfie : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — September 3, 2013
"Under God" faces a serious challenge in Massachusetts' highest court. Three Christian perspectives on military strikes on Syria. And Pope Francis takes his first "selfie."
Crowds recall the faith that animated MLK’s unfinished dream
By Lauren Markoe and Adelle M. Banks — August 28, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) "We can never forget as we celebrate, as we remember ... that it was that faith and the spirit of God itself that fueled, that infused the movement that led to great change and transformation," said the Rev. Bernice King.
Another way for Jews to atone this Yom Kippur: the eScapegoat
By Lauren Markoe — August 28, 2013
(RNS) The interactive eScapegoat site asks participants their age, but not their name, and provides space for typing in their sins. Since its Aug. 8 debut, more than 10,000 people have submitted their sins.
Atheist Parolee * YU Shame * The March: Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — August 27, 2013
An atheist parolee rejects religious rehab. Yeshiva U is shamed by a sex abuse report. And we've got the March on Washington covered.
Rabbi David Wolpe atones for humiliating a kid. Who’s next?
By Lauren Markoe — August 20, 2013
Rabbi David Wolpe, one of the most respected rabbis in the nation, has just apologized for publicly humiliating a 13-year-old boy.
Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup: Breaking Bad * Nuns vs. Vatican * Facebook Gospel
By Lauren Markoe — August 20, 2013
Will there be redemption for Breaking Bad's Walt? The nuns strike a positive note on Vatican negotiations. And keep your business off Facebook.
5 reasons people think Prince George is Jewish (even though he’s not)
By Lauren Markoe — August 15, 2013
(RNS) Because Kate Middleton's mother's maiden name is Goldsmith, some wrongly conclude that wee Prince George's matrilineal line is Jewish, and so he must be too.
Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup: Francis Futbol * Hitched Priests * Call him ‘Messiah’
By Lauren Markoe — August 14, 2013
Should Francis root for the Italians or the Argentines? Married priests in Africa want a pope of their own. And if she wants to name the baby "Messiah," who's to stop her?
