Mainline
To be ordained, would-be PCUSA pastors had to interpret the worst story in the Bible
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 8, 2023
(RNS) Some are criticizing the mainline denomination’s choice to base its recent winter exegesis exam on the biblical story known as ‘The Levite’s Concubine.’
As Pennsylvania’s ‘Bible belt’ evolves, clergy look to one another for mutual support
By Elizabeth E. Evans — February 6, 2023
LANCASTER, Pennsylvania (RNS) — The difficulties of the pandemic and the widening gap between people of different political persuasions have put a strain on the clergy of one small town in this historically religious region. They have found mutual support in a 'ministerium' dedicated to community unity.
Lutheran World Federation head Anne Burghardt on historic firsts and helping Ukraine
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 6, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — The secretary general spoke to Religion News Service while in Chicago last week visiting the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran denomination in the country and a member of the Lutheran World Federation.
Church of England submits blessings for same-sex couples to fierce debate in Synod
By Catherine Pepinster — February 3, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — The bishops have displeased both conservatives and progressives in the church with a proposal to bless civil unions between same-sex partners.
Clergy protest legislation targeting transgender children in Missouri
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 2, 2023
(RNS) — Jewish and Christian clergy have taken an active role in protesting what one advocacy group has called the ‘most dangerous’ session of the Missouri Legislature for the LGBTQ community it has seen in years.
At Tyre Nichols’ funeral, VP Harris and Sharpton among those praying and promising reform
By Adelle M. Banks — February 1, 2023
(RNS) — ‘When we talk about public safety, let us understand what it means in its truest form: Tyre Nichols should have been safe,’ the vice president said.
Progressive National Baptists to deploy $1 million grant to boost ‘compelling preaching’
By Adelle M. Banks — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The Lilly Endowment grants to the 32 organizations total $31.7 million and were distributed in November.
Kenya’s deaf choir changes minds about ‘burdens’ of disabilities
By Fredrick Nzwili — January 31, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The choir’s example has helped convince Kenyan churches to embrace deaf culture.
US Hispanic Protestant churches are young, growing and largely new to the country
By Alejandra Molina — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — 'We see more and more English-speaking churches either planting a Hispanic church or adding a service in Spanish to their current congregation,' said Giancarlo Montemayor with Lifeway Recursos.
Tyre Nichols police beating video prompts faith leaders to react with grief, goals
By Adelle M. Banks — January 28, 2023
(RNS) — They expressed grief and prayers for Nichols’ family, as well as called for national and state legislation. Some questioned whether the video of the police beating of Nichols should be watched.
Pope Francis moves ahead with delayed Africa visit despite violence in Congo
By Junno Arocho Esteves — January 25, 2023
(RNS) — A Vatican spokesman said ‘there was no specific threat’ to the 86-year-old pontiff.
Ordination in Jerusalem belies slow progress for Christian women in the Middle East
By Daoud Kuttab — January 24, 2023
(RNS) — Religious affiliation regulates everything from inheritance to divorce.
Faith-based organizations urge Biden not to enact ‘asylum ban’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 23, 2023
(RNS) — The proposed policy 'borders on a wealth test for some of the most vulnerable children and families,' said one advocate.
‘Not a real schism’: Four years later, UMC exodus less a gush, more a trickle
By Yonat Shimron and Emily McFarlan Miller — January 23, 2023
(RNS) — An analysis of departing churches suggests the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination will be weakened, but it is unlikely to break.
Church of England apologizes for treatment of LGBTQ people
By Danica Kirka — January 23, 2023
LONDON (AP) — The country's established church formally apologized for its treatment of LGBTQ people, even as it said that same-sex couples still won't be allowed to marry in its churches.
