Catholic birth control decree remains controversial
By RNS Blog Editor — February 11, 2011
c. 2008 Religion News Service (RNS) Some say Pope Paul VI predicted the dangers of loosening sexual morals: widespread divorce, disease and promiscuity. Others say he cracked open a culture of dissent that has seeped into every corner of the church. Either way, 40 years after Paul VI released “Humanae Vitae'' on July 25, 1968, […]
Christmas pageant evolves but endures
By RNS Blog Editor — December 23, 2009
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) Clearly, the length of gold tinsel draped around her neck was not what Melinda Smith was hoping for. “Is this all I get?” she pleaded with Beth Keys, director of the annual interactive Christmas pageant at Portland’s Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst. Keys disappeared and returned with a long, white gown, its collar […]
10 minutes with …Jack Brown
By RNS Blog Editor — December 23, 2009
(RNS) Redeemer Covenant Church in Caledonia, Mich., decided on a different set of Christmas decorations this year: Instead of fresh poinsettias and artificial greens, Redeemer’s sanctuary is filled with canned goods and clothing that will be donated to the needy. The Rev. Jack Brown, who pastors the congregation with his wife, Sharon, explained why they […]
GUEST COMMENTARY: An unconscionable oversight
By RNS Blog Editor — December 23, 2009
WASHINGTON (RNS) Conscience protection — or perhaps, the lack of it — is a key issue in health care reform. Forcing someone to violate his or her conscience is an act of violence no civilized society should tolerate. U.S. Catholic bishops are seeking conscience protection for two groups: Catholic and other institutions (especially health care […]
VIDEO: Spiritual traditions
By RNS Blog Editor — December 10, 2009
Traditions of island spirituality call for a reverence for nature. Right-click here to download the video file.
VIDEO: Mighty Mississippi
By RNS Blog Editor — December 10, 2009
Tourists and locals reflect on the river. Right-click here to download the video file.
VIDEO: Rebuilding gardens
By RNS Blog Editor — December 10, 2009
Bringing food and togetherness to a community. Right-click here to download the video file.
VIDEO: Linking ecology and faith
By RNS Blog Editor — December 10, 2009
The Rev. Sally Bingham sees a link between ecology and faith. Right-click here to download the video file.
SLIDESHOW: Salvation for religious properties
By RNS Blog Editor — December 10, 2009
In 1949, an order of Dominican Sisters opened a school on an old orchard in Plainville, Mass. Sister Chris Loughlin explains why the sisters had no choice but to close the school after just 25 years, and how their religious mission has evolved since. Right-click here to download the video file.
Lutheran conservatives delay decision to leave ELCA
By RNS Blog Editor — September 29, 2009
(RNS) Conservatives upset over the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s recent decision to allow non-celibate gay clergy have voted to create a free-standing synod and study for a year whether to leave the denomination. “Basically, what we’re saying is that a year from now, we’re going to have a proposal of some form,” said the […]
Famed Unitarian preacher Forrest Church dies at 61
By RNS Blog Editor — September 28, 2009
(RNS) The Rev. Forrest Church, perhaps the nation’s best known Unitarian Universalist preacher, died Thursday (Sept. 24) after a three-year battle with cancer that shaped his final years of ministry into an extended reflection on death and dying. Church, 61, had been pastor of New York’s Unitarian Church of All Souls for more than 30 […]
Irish seminarians reach 10-year high after record lows
By RNS Blog Editor — September 28, 2009
DUBLIN (RNS/ENI) The number of Irish men entering the seminary to become Roman Catholic priests has risen to a 10-year high following years of dwindling vocations. The Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors for the Catholic Church in Ireland said that 36 new seminarians were about to begin studying for the priesthood in Irish dioceses. The […]
Dalai Lama, Tutu awarded forgiveness prizes
By RNS Blog Editor — September 28, 2009
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (RNS) After a worldwide search, the first $100,000 Fetzer Prizes for Love and Forgiveness were awarded Sunday (Sept. 27) to the Dalai Lama and retired South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “We wanted this prize to recognize people who live with the reality of fear and violence and yet are inspiring examples of […]
