Sarah Pulliam Bailey
Sarah Pulliam Bailey is a national correspondent for RNS, covering how faith intersects with politics, culture and other news. She previously served as online editor for Christianity Today where she remains an editor-at-large.
All Stories by Sarah Pulliam Bailey
African chief evangelizes about adult circumcision
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 2, 2013
(RNS) A growing number of Zambians -- among them many Christians -- are opting for circumcision as a way to ward off HIV infection. In so doing, they are adding to the number of people who take on this ancient practice for cultural or religious reasons.
Thursday’s Religion News Roundup: Catholic Clashes * Millennial Needs * Midnight Marriages
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 1, 2013
Every blogger and their mom has weighed in on what millennial evangelicals want and why some are leaving the church. I present to you Rachel Held Evans, Brett McCracken, Trevin Wax, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Anthony Bradley and feel free to add whoever else in the comments. The Ohio State University has been flooded with angry comments since it […]
Monday’s Religion News Roundup: Quotable Pope * Mideast Talks * Rick Returns
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 29, 2013
The quotable, retweetable pope delighted the 3 million-strong crowds in Rio de Janeiro, telling the youth, “I want a mess…I want trouble in the dioceses!” On his way home from World Youth Day, Pope Francis gave a spontaneous interview with reporters that is gaining much attention. On gays, he said, “Who am I to judge them if they’re […]
Is Eric Metaxas the next Chuck Colson?
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 29, 2013
(RNS) Eric Metaxas took over some of Coloson's roles, including part of BreakPoint, a radio show Metaxas wrote for in the late '90s. He took Colson’s place on the board of the Manhattan Declaration, a movement Colson helped found to focus Christians’ attention on life, marriage and religious freedom issues, too. But comparisons to Colson go only so far.
Friday’s Religion News Roundup: Reviving Latin * A Retweetable Pope * Faith in Horror
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 26, 2013
FEMA is still denying aid to religious groups hit by Hurricane Sandy, even though the House voted in February to approve a bill that would allow faith-based groups to follow the same reimbursement process as private nonprofit organizations. A Senate version awaits review by a subcommittee, according to the Asbury Park Press. An 18-year-old Mormon missionary […]
Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup: Peacemaking Tebow * Rockin’ Monks * Hallmark Candor
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 3, 2013
Discontent threatens Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and its leader President Mohamed Morsi. Top Muslim and Christian religious leaders have been called to an emergency meeting. The Obama administration announced Tuesday that it will delay the health care mandate that larger employers cover their workers, postponing the effective date beyond next year’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, a broad coalition of religious leaders called the […]
White House denies contraception exemption to private businesses
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 28, 2013
(RNS) The new rules do not apply to private businesses whose owners have religious or moral obligations to contraception -- and that issue has already been a major battleground in federal courts.
Twitter reactions to #Supreme Court DOMA ruling
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 26, 2013
The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in a 5-4 decision. The court also ruled that same-sex marriage will be available in California, at least where court clerks take the position that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. This post will be updated as we gather more reactions. This is a Roe v. Wade-type […]
Monday’s Religion News Roundup: Nik Wallenda’s Dare * Happy Christian Tweeters * Zimmerman Trial Pastors
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 24, 2013
The Church of England is creating a pagan church as part of a drive to retain congregation numbers, The Telegraph reports. As opening arguments for the George Zimmerman trial begin, seats have been reserved for pastors who aim to keep the peace, regardless of the verdict. The pastors include the Rev. Joel Hunter, who […]
Bono: David sang the blues and Jesus did some punk rock
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 21, 2013
(RNS) "What’s so powerful about the Psalms are, as well as they’re being gospel and songs of praise, they are also the Blues," U2 frontman Bono tells Focus on the Family President Jim Daly.
Ryan Anderson’s uphill fight to change young minds on gay marriage
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 20, 2013
(RNS) At age 31, Ryan Anderson has planted himself on arguably the most unpopular stance for his generation: opposing gay marriage.
Ex-gay group Exodus International shuts down, president apologizes
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 20, 2013
(RNS) The closing of the most prominent "ex-gay" group comes at a critical point for gay rights, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to issue two potentially decisive rulings on gay marriage and public opinion shifts rapidly in favor of gay rights and even gay marriage.
Monday’s Religion News Roundup: Papal Bike Blessing * Christmas in June * ‘Good Samaritan’ Booted
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 17, 2013
In case you didn’t get a steady stream of social media reminders, Father’s Day was yesterday. “I’m gay, my dad’s a pastor, and … we’re working on it,” read one of the many father related pieces, this one from The Atlantic’s Sexes channel. Pope Francis blessed thousands of Harley Davidson motorcycles and their riders visiting […]
Update: Philadelphia plans to cremate and bury Gosnell bodies
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 14, 2013
(RNS) Once the appeal period is over, the city will follow normal procedures and cremate and bury the remains of 47 bodies aborted by Kermit Gosnell, despite pleas from the Philadelphia archdiocese to give them a religious burial.
4 reasons why Republicans are rekindling evangelical outreach
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 12, 2013
(RNS) Why would Republicans hire the former party chairman in South Carolina to lead engagement to evangelicals, a group that for a generation or more has been the reliable anchor of the party faithful? Here are four reasons.
