Clergy & Congregations
Bishop T.D. Jakes continues longtime commitment to Md. revival in wake of rumors
By Adelle M. Banks — January 12, 2024
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (RNS) — ‘I love you back,’ he told those who welcomed him back to the revival. ‘I feel your prayers. I’m thankful to God for them.’
Sharon Brous on the power of saying ‘amen’ in a broken world
By Yonat Shimron — January 11, 2024
(RNS) — 'The Amen Effect' is an extended meditation on the importance of showing up — in good times and bad.
Africa’s Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God’s will
By Nicole Winfield — January 11, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The controversy has deepened a growing chasm between Francis’ progressive, reform-minded papacy and the conservative church in much of the world
US pastors struggle with post-pandemic burnout. Survey shows half considered quitting since 2020
By Peter Smith — January 11, 2024
Median in-person attendance has steadily declined since the start of the century, the report said, and with fewer younger participants, the typical age of congregants is rising.
Wisconsin sexual abuse case against defrocked Cardinal McCarrick suspended
By Associated Press — January 11, 2024
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — McCarrick, who did not appear in person for the hearing but listened in by phone, was charged with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old man more than 45 years ago, court records show
Prominent Black church in New York sued for gender bias by woman who sought to be its senior pastor
By Darren Sands — January 8, 2024
(AP) — Along with the church, the lawsuit specifically names the search committee chair, Valerie S. Grant, accusing her of behaving inappropriately by asking Marshall Turman questions and pressing issues not broached with her male counterparts.
Orthodox mark Christmas, but the celebration is overshadowed for many by conflict
By The Associated Press — January 8, 2024
(AP) — Orthodox Christians packed churches Saturday night for Christmas Eve services, a holiday overshadowed for many believers by conflict.
Biden to visit Mother Emanuel AME Church as South Carolina primaries approach
By Adelle M. Banks — January 5, 2024
(RNS) — ‘I would hope and pray that the community comes and hears and gets excited, gets energized about the 2024 election,’ said the church’s pastor.
Pandemic boosted resilience, hurt financial health of Black churches, says report
By Adelle M. Banks — January 4, 2024
(RNS) — A new report highlights the challenges faced by Black and multiracial congregations, as well as their resilience, in the wake of COVID-19.
RNS reporters look ahead to the big religion stories they expect in 2024
By RNS staff — December 30, 2023
(RNS) — From papal reforms to psychedelics to presidential elections, here are the big religion stories RNS reporters anticipate this coming year.
Founder of the American Family Association dies in Mississippi
By Associated Press — December 29, 2023
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — Donald Wildmon, the founder of the American Family Association, a conservative Christian advocacy group, has died.
Faith leaders, influencers who died in 2023: Preachers, protesters, writers, singers
By Adelle M. Banks — December 26, 2023
(RNS) — We also bid farewell to some celebrities and influencers whose time on stages sometimes represented public faith or whose lives were strengthened by their personal faith.
In Bethlehem, quiet Christmas celebrations draw parallels to war’s victims
By Fiona André — December 22, 2023
(RNS) — In the West Bank and Gaza, Christians are searching for ways to celebrate a subdued Christmas, with festivities canceled for the first time since the First Intifada in 1988.
How a remnant group of United Methodists is making a new church home
By Yonat Shimron — December 18, 2023
ADVANCE, N.C. (RNS) — Here, in the middle of a bland industrial park that looks like a self-storage facility, a new church is emerging.
Church of England to introduce same-sex blessing, as it faces ‘disestablishment’ bill in Parliament
By Catherine Pepinster — December 15, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — The prayers may be too little too late on an issue that has long alienated the church from politicians and peers.
