Evangelical

Bethany Christian Services’ decision on gay adoption makes the church shine brighter
(RNS) — The country’s largest evangelical Christian adoption agency abandoned a discriminatory policy that the religious right puts major capital into defending.

Brian Houston apologizes for Hillsong NYC’s ‘failings,’ promises whistleblower policy

Faith leaders urge clemency for Okla. death row inmate, cite mounting evidence

After Ravi Zacharias report, Christians examine how to avoid ‘betrayal blindness’
(RNS) — Why does it take so long for religious groups to admit the truth about their leaders?

Shame, grace and #STOPtheSTEAL
(RNS) — How we read the world depends on the kinds of stories we traffic in.

Dozens of houses of worship, one DC street, a 9-year photo project
(RNS) — People at the first church ‘were so welcoming that it kind of got our project off to a happy start,’ said one photographer.

Conservative United Methodists announce new name, logo, website for planned denomination
(RNS) — The planned denomination said it will split from the existing United Methodist Church no matter what the General Conference decides in 2022.

Bethany Christian Services to allow LGBTQ couples to adopt, foster children
(RNS) — The change lowers the temperature on a hot culture-war topic pitting faith-based adoption and foster care agencies and civil liberties groups against one another.

Appeals court rules in favor of Pressler accuser, says abuse lawsuit can go forward
(RNS) — A former aide to retired judge Paul Pressler has alleged that the Southern Baptist leader had abused him for decades.

What’s in store for the Equality Act, and why do some religions want a revision?
(RNS) — The Equality Act likely won’t pass in the US Senate, as is. But if the Senate were to include religious exemptions, it might.

On late-night TV and bestseller lists, new books on prayer resonating with readers
(RNS) — After a tumultuous year, several new books about prayer from popular Christian authors seem to be speaking to the moment.

Rick Warren pays tribute to Celebrate Recovery co-founder John Baker
(RNS) — The megachurch pastor said his longtime friend had impacted the lives of millions of people.

The creeping radicalization of white evangelicals
(RNS) — Our faith itself is not to blame. But evangelicals need to take a hard look at the other influences on our community.

United Methodists reschedule meeting — and decision on splitting — again
(RNS) — In the meantime, bishops have called for another special session.

John Baker, founder of the Christian support group Celebrate Recovery, has died
(RNS) — Baker started the Christian 12-step group to bridge the gap between churches and 12-step groups.