Mainline
Poll: Religious attendance is shrinking but those who remain are happy
By Yonat Shimron — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — In the PRRI study, 57% of Americans say they seldom or never attend religious services. Among those who do, 89% said they were proud to be associated with their congregation.
Latino faith leaders to gather for summit on Christian nationalism
By Alejandra Molina — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — Christian nationalism has ‘infiltrated’ the Latino Christian community ‘in such a powerful way,’ said one clergyman, ‘that they are not even aware of the position they are supporting.’
Fewer evangelicals support public school childhood vaccine requirements, survey shows
By Adelle M. Banks — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — Significant majorities across religious groups say the benefits of childhood vaccines outweigh the risks from getting them.
North Carolina clergy demonstrate against legislature’s new abortion limits
By Yonat Shimron — May 12, 2023
(RNS) — Their aim was to signal that not all Christians oppose abortion. A new state bill bans abortion after 12 weeks, down from the current 20.
Lutheran, Presbyterian schools moving to Chicago campus of Catholic Theological Union
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 11, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — Each of the three schools will remain independent with its own identity, mission and governance.
New books celebrate faith and motherhood in time for Mother’s Day
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 10, 2023
(RNS) — Yes, that’s this weekend. Call your mom — or maybe gift her one of these books.
State Rep. James Talarico: Christian nationalism in Texas is an ‘oxymoron’
By Jack Jenkins — May 10, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I think my fellow Christians and I have a moral obligation to speak out against this growing Christo-fascist movement,’ Talarico said.
COVID-19 health emergency is ending but faith-based vaccine clinics continue
By Adelle M. Banks — May 10, 2023
(RNS) — Over the last few years, African American congregations have provided outsized action on getting people tested and vaccinated.
Breakaway Texas UMC megachurch reveals plans for new Methodist denomination
By BeLynn Hollers and Emily McFarlan Miller — May 9, 2023
SOUTHLAKE, Texas (RNS) — White’s Chapel plans to invite others to join the Methodist Collegiate Church once its disaffiliation is approved by Central Texas United Methodists next month.
Why Habitat for Humanity’s theology of the hammer offers hope in polarized times
By Bob Smietana — May 9, 2023
(RNS) — For nearly five decades, Habitat for Humanity has inspired people from different backgrounds — who often can’t agree on anything — to work together for their neighbors’ benefit.
UMC bishops request 2026 General Conference as hundreds more churches disaffiliate
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 8, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — To date, at least 2,804 churches have left the United Methodist Church since 2019, according to United Methodist News Service.
Their church is leaving the UMC fold. They found refuge in a nearby ‘Lighthouse.’
By Yonat Shimron and Emily McFarlan Miller — May 4, 2023
(RNS) — The United Methodist Church is turning its attention to taking care of those who want to remain and rebuilding and fortifying its ranks.
New books spotlight women’s leadership in New Testament
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 4, 2023
(RNS) — ‘It’s not that we’re trying to rewrite history. It’s simply that women have been obscured,’ said Beth Allison Barr.
United Methodist bishops meet, look to pivot after 2,400+ churches disaffiliate
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 1, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — United Methodist bishops from across the globe are meeting this week for the first time in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In NC, a church network turns unused church buildings into homes for refugees
By Yonat Shimron — May 1, 2023
(RNS) — A glut of underutilized church properties offers a solution to the severe shortage of affordable housing for newly arrived refugees.
