Christianity

Pope Francis’ new decree demands financial transparency from Vatican managers

By Claire Giangravé — April 29, 2021

(RNS) — The new decree would make it more difficult for Vatican personnel to engage in transactions such as the $200 million London real estate deal that caused the downfall of a prominent cardinal.

Evangelicals are losing their climate skepticism

By Mark Silk — April 28, 2021

(RNS) — No wonder the pushback on President Joe Biden’s climate agenda has thus far been minimal.

Vatican’s revamped Center for Child Protection will attack ‘systemic’ abuse in the church

By Claire Giangravé — April 28, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On Sept. 1, the Center for Child Protection at the Gregorian University in Rome will become the Institute of Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care.

Why some preachers rely on holy ghostwriters and other pulpit helps

By Bob Smietana — April 28, 2021

(RNS) — To keep up with the demand for high-quality sermons, preachers often turn to ghostwriters and researchers, without telling their congregation. At least one expert calls that ‘cheating.’

US Catholic bishops may press Biden to stop taking Communion

By David Crary — April 28, 2021

(AP) — At issue is a document coming from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Doctrine clarifying the church’s stance on an issue that has repeatedly vexed the bishops.

God’s plan for animals is a hot topic in theology that we can all understand

By Charles C. Camosy — April 28, 2021

(RNS) — While much of theology is abstract by nature, this subject is as relatable as Happy the Elephant.

Despite multiracial congregation boom, some Black congregants report prejudice

By Adelle M. Banks — April 28, 2021

(RNS) — A third of Black Christians say it is hard to gain leadership positions in a multiracial congregation, a new report says.

Francis Collins urges evangelicals: ‘Love your neighbor,’ get COVID-19 vaccine

By Adelle M. Banks — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — ‘It was an answer, even beyond what I had almost dared to pray for,’ the National Institutes of Health director said of vaccine efficacy.

For evangelical leader Jamie Aten, advocating for vaccines led to a death threat

By Bob Smietana — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — Aten, who teaches at an evangelical college, has received swarms of angry anti-vaxxer emails — including one saying his work was ‘punishable by death.’

Attackers shoot Italian bishop-elect in his home in South Sudan

By Claire Giangravé, Fredrick Nzwili — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — Some have suggested that the attack may have been a warning for the Catholic Church to keep out of the political disputes in South Sudan.

From Mormon missionary to Lutheran pastor

By Jana Riess — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — Langston ‘tried millions of ways’ to make Mormonism work, but she eventually found peace in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and began to pursue a path toward ordination. Her parents and husband, who are still Latter-day Saints, were supportive, but ‘they were heartbroken.’

‘If you have eyes, plagiarize’: When borrowing a sermon goes too far

By Bob Smietana — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — Preachers love to borrow from each other, but the practice can sometimes lead to plagiarism.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison: ‘I’m happy to take the role that the Lord has given me’

By Jack Jenkins — April 27, 2021

(RNS) — "My grandma told me after I lost the election for the U.S. Senate, she said, ’Jaime, sometimes in life, when one door closes, the Lord opens up others,’” DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison said.

As Brexit stirs tensions, Northern Irish clergy reprise peacekeeping roles

By Christine Luby — April 26, 2021

(RNS) — As Northern Ireland marks 100 years since its partition, faith leaders emerge from the shadows of the country’s peace walls to stop the resurgence of sectarian violence.

Prominent Georgia church leaves United Methodist Church over pastor’s reassignment

By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 26, 2021

(RNS) — Mt. Bethel UMC has made clear the root of its conflict with its bishop is not over its stance on LGBTQ inclusion, which previously caused conflict at the church.