Clergy & Congregations
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.
Black church coalition names reparations, voting, health equity among priorities
By Adelle M. Banks — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — ‘There are so many pressing issues, from the future of COVID-19 and mental health to gun violence and voting rights, that must be addressed,’ said CNBC Chairman W. Franklyn Richardson.
Pope, once a victim of AI-generated imagery, calls for treaty to regulate artificial intelligence
By Nicole Winfield — December 14, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each Jan. 1.
Latino majority congregations see growth, financial struggles, report finds
By Adelle M. Banks — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Still, the overarching picture for majority Latino congregations looks more promising than for other congregations,’ said sociologist of religion Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi.
As few details are released, fatal stabbing of Catholic priest rocks small Nebraska community
By Josh Funk — December 12, 2023
FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, who served at St. John the Baptist church, was attacked during what authorities called a break-in early Sunday. He died despite being rushed to an Omaha hospital
New charge filed against man accused of firing shotgun outside New York synagogue
By Associated Press — December 12, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The new charge stems from the recent purchase of the shotgun authorities said he used in the shooting.
Mormon church selects British man who converted to the faith as an adult for top governing body
By Hannah Schoenbaum — December 11, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — More than half the faith’s 17 million members live outside the United States, according to church statistics.
Preaching to polarized congregations: A responsibility and a challenge, clergy say
By Adelle M. Banks — December 8, 2023
(RNS) — 'It's not about going from red to blue to purple,' Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement advises clergy. ‘It's about going above the partisan divisions.’
Man fires shotgun outside Jewish temple in upstate New York as Hanukkah begins, no one injured
By Maysoon Khan — December 8, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The gunfire outside Temple Israel happened at around 2 p.m. and a 28-year-old man was in custody, according to officials.
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 6, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.
A new Homeland Security guide aims to help houses of worship protect themselves
By Rebecca Santana — December 6, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The guidance comes at a time of deep unease in many communities of faith across America.
Bishop Curry hospitalized for brain bleeding after fall in Syracuse
By Fiona André — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — Bishop Michael Curry has been hospitalized twice previously this year for internal bleeding and heart conditions.
Parties canceled. Celebrations toned down. Hanukkah won’t be the same this year.
By Yonat Shimron — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — With the Israeli military in the midst of a destructive showdown in its war with Hamas, many U.S. Jews aren’t in the mood for triumphant Hanukkah cheer.
