Christianity
As Soccer Moses, Jars of Clay guitarist Stephen Mason finds unexpected joy
By Bob Smietana — September 6, 2023
(RNS) — The rocker who became a barber said soccer is a bit like life — sometimes sad, other times glorious.
At African climate summit, faith leaders join demands for climate justice
By Fredrick Nzwili — September 6, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — ‘Matters of climate change cannot be politicized, reduced to economies,’ said a Lutheran priest, but instead should be ‘treated as a matter of life and death.’
Bishop Michael Curry responds to complaints of ‘free passes’ for accused bishops
By Kathryn Post — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — At least 55 Episcopal bishops signed a letter saying they are ‘angered by and deeply concerned about the perception — or the reality — that bishops get a free pass on behavioral issues.’
Pope Francis chides his American critics — but who is he talking about?
By Jack Jenkins — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — When it comes to the pope’s right-wing critics here in the U.S., he has a broad spectrum to choose from.
Giving is up at churches and people are back, but clergy are still thinking about quitting
By Bob Smietana — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — While life at local congregations has returned mostly to normal, the future remains uncertain.
The synod’s priorities are communion, participation, mission — not who can be priests
By Thomas Reese — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — If we continued as usual with just different people in charge, then we missed the revolution Pope Francis is calling for.
Francis calls relations with China ‘respectful’ after Mongolia trip
By Claire Giangravé — September 4, 2023
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (RNS) — Pope Francis told reporters during a news conference Monday that China must not think the Vatican represents a foreign power.
Pope Francis closes his visit to Mongolia with visit to shelter for women, homeless
By Claire Giangravé — September 3, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We create a home, not a house,’ said Brother Andrew Tran, the director of the House of Mercy, before the pope visited the shelter for the unhoused and for victims of domestic violence.
Sarah Young, publicity-shy superstar author of ‘Jesus Calling,’ dies at 77
By Bob Smietana — September 3, 2023
(RNS) — First published in 2004, the devotional has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
‘Hope is possible.’ Pope Francis joins religious leaders in Mongolia to promote harmony
By Claire Giangravé — September 3, 2023
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (RNS) — Pope Francis’ message for religious dialogue and freedom in Mongolia takes place as the neighboring Chinese government cracks down on faith groups.
In Mongolia, Pope Francis makes appeals for peace and the environment
By Claire Giangravé — September 2, 2023
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (RNS) — In a speech to government officials, Francis praised Mongolians' 'native wisdom' when it comes to protecting their land and appealed to Russia's neighbors that 'the dark clouds of war be dispelled.'
One BYU to rule them all … for better or for worse
By Jana Riess — September 1, 2023
(RNS) — A new one-size-fits-all conduct policy seems to be one step forward, one step back.
Clergy dish up meatball sundaes, pickle ice pops and a little faith at the Minnesota State Fair
By Giovanna Dell'orto — September 1, 2023
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — As the sun rose on an unusually steamy opening day of the Minnesota State Fair, Jeff Knott and his two daughters joined the already long breakfast line outside the Hamline Church Dining Hall. The Lutheran family, at the fair to show the teen girls’ pigs Billy and Lil’ Red, favor […]
Activists prepare for yearlong battle over Nebraska private school funding law
By Margery A. Beck — September 1, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — If the law is repealed, Nebraska would join North Dakota as the only states not offering some type of public payment for private school tuition.
Coach who lost his job for praying on field kneels again in first game after years of legal battles
By Ed Komenda — September 1, 2023
BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) — After fighting to be rehired for seven years, Joe Kennedy isn’t sure he wants it anymore, and the thought of kneeling in the spotlight again makes him queasy.
