Clergy & Congregations
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.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
By Darren Sands — December 5, 2023
The Bishop's splintered influence was underscored this week as different factions paid tribute to Pearson at various memorial services that have raised questions — and objections — about how best to remember him.
Pope Francis says he’s doing better but again skips his window appearance facing St. Peter’s Square
By Frances D'emilio — December 4, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people in the square followed his words from giant screens set up outdoors.
Recordings show how the Mormon church protects itself from child sex abuse claims
By Jason Dearen and Michael Rezendes — December 4, 2023
HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — Nondisclosure agreements have been used frequently by the Mormon church and other organizations to keep sex abuse allegations secret.
This Christmas, churches are preparing for a frenzy of festivity
By Fiona André — December 1, 2023
(RNS) — You think you have a busy Christmas? The country's best-attended churches are managing a crush of Masses this year.
Influential Detroit pastor the Rev. Charles Gilchrist Adams dies at age 86
By Associated Press — December 1, 2023
DETROIT (AP) — Adams spent a half-century as pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church before retiring in 2019.
In the US, Black survivors are nearly invisible in the Catholic clergy sexual abuse crisis
By Lea Skene and Tiffany Stanley — November 30, 2023
BALTIMORE (AP) — Cases of clergy abuse among African Americans are underreported, experts say, and the U.S. Catholic Church generally does not publicly track the race or ethnicity of victims.
Opposing communities plan separate memorial services for Carlton Pearson
By Adelle M. Banks — November 29, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I want to show diversity,’ Pearson said in a recording near the end of his life, which has ended up being shown through the range of services.
In the US, Black survivors are nearly invisible in the Catholic clergy sexual abuse crisis
By Lea Skene and Tiffany Stanley — November 29, 2023
BALTIMORE (AP) — Cases of clergy abuse among African Americans are especially underreported, according to experts.
Pope Francis getting antibiotics intravenously for lung problem, limiting appointments, Vatican says
By Associated Press — November 28, 2023
ROME (AP) — The Vatican’s press office said on Monday that the inflammation was causing some respiratory difficulties for Francis.
A film sheds light on 11 daring women whose defiant act changed the Episcopal Church
By Yonat Shimron — November 24, 2023
(RNS) — ‘The Philadelphia Eleven’ depicts the buildup toward the so-called irregular ordination at which four bishops ordained 11 women as priests without the denomination’s approval.
Oklahoma Christian leaders seek to join suit opposing state-funded Catholic school
By Fiona André — November 22, 2023
(RNS) — St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School could become the country’s first publicly funded religious charter school.
Jury acquits Catholic priest in Tennessee who was charged with sexual battery
By Associated Press — November 22, 2023
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The charges centered on allegations from February 2020 regarding Punnackal's actions toward the parishioner
A French bishop is accused of attempted rape in latest scandal to hit Catholic Church in France
By Associated Press — November 22, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The Bishops' Conference of France said the accused bishop, Georges Colomb, contests the charge and deserves the presumption of innocence.
Bishop Carlton Pearson, Tulsa pastor declared heretic for views on hell, dies at 70
By Adelle M. Banks — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — 'I’d rather err on the goodness, greatness and graciousness of God than the opposite,' Pearson once said.
