Protestant
With a final flourish, United Methodist conference eliminates all anti-LGBTQ policies
By Yonat Shimron — May 3, 2024
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (RNS) — The reversals came in the wake of a schism that saw the departure of a quarter of its US churches — more than 7,600 congregations — over the past five years.
Churches tied to Civil Rights awarded National Park Service preservation funds
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2024
To save their movement, student protesters should break camp
By Andre Henry — May 3, 2024
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United Methodists redefine marriage, end official condemnation of homosexuality
By Yonat Shimron — May 2, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — A condemnation of homosexuality that has riven the denomination for 52 years was eliminated from the United Methodist Church’s rule book.
United Methodists condemning Christian nationalism should address their complicity
By Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood — May 1, 2024
(RNS) — The thinning of the UMC’s conservative ranks makes this week’s conference a perfect time to address the issue.
How a beloved worship song became the theme song of Christian nationalism
By Bob Smietana — May 1, 2024
(RNS) — ‘How Great Is Our God’ has long been one of the most popular worship songs in Christian churches. Since 2020, it’s also become a theme song for Christian nationalist protesters.
United Methodists strike down ban on ordination of gay clergy
By Yonat Shimron — May 1, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — With a simple vote call and without debate, delegates to the General Conference removed the ban on the ordination of ‘self-avowed practicing homosexuals’ — a prohibition that dates to 1984.
75 Christian leaders urge president, Congress, churches to act on racism, poverty
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2024
(RNS) — ‘Issues related to racism are now being fiercely debated across the country, and many people of color are fearful that racism is getting worse,’ reads their statement.
What we have to learn from students leading the charge for justice
By Serene Jones — April 30, 2024
(RNS) — We need to be the kind of faith and public leaders we want our students to become.
Understanding America’s overlooked religious middle
By Robert P. Jones — April 30, 2024
(RNS) — The overlooked religious middle is poised to play an outsized role in the 2024 presidential contest.
Arizona pro-Palestinian protesters sue, argue authorities violated their religious freedom
By Jack Jenkins — April 30, 2024
(RNS) — ‘We were doing nothing but standing on that piece of property, singing, chanting, praying in the road when we were dragged off,’ said the Rev. Seth Wispelwey.
United Methodist conference begins to drop contentious rules restricting LGBTQ clergy
By Yonat Shimron — April 30, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — Among the rules overturned were a ban on bishops ordaining LGBTQ candidates for ministry, a ban on funding for LGBTQ affinity groups as well as a series of mandatory penalties for clergy who officiate same-sex weddings.
Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church
By Darren Sands — April 29, 2024
(AP) – In the Black Church as a whole, male pastors predominate, though there’s no comprehensive gender breakdown.
Christian nationalist activists lead pro-Israel rally at Columbia University
By Fiona André — April 26, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — A ‘United for Israel’ march, advertised on social media earlier yesterday, was intended to show support for Israel, Jewish students and faculties.
As many HBCUs thrive, faith-based Black schools fight financial and accreditation woes
By Adelle M. Banks — April 26, 2024
(RNS) — Several faith-based historically Black colleges and universities have faced governance and financial concerns, even as other HBCUs are seeing increases in enrollment and financial donations.
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