Mainline
Claiborne, Barber, Budde among Christian leaders calling for Gaza cease-fire at White House vigil
By Jack Jenkins — November 21, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners," said the Rev. William Barber II.
Manhattan’s Middle Collegiate Church begins façade demolition
By Fiona André — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — The congregation is already working on architectural plans with an expected cost of between $30 - $40 million.
Church of England synod moves forward with a test of prayers for same-sex couples
By Catherine Pepinster — November 15, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — The vote follows the House of Bishops’ agreement last month to commend ‘Prayers of Love and Faith,’ a collection of prayers and readings for use in existing services. The bishops also approved the prayers as the basis for stand-alone services for gay couples.
Bishop T.D. Jakes helps launch online hub to aid faith leaders with mental health tools
By Adelle M. Banks — November 15, 2023
(RNS) — Jakes introduced the ‘Faith and Mental Health Hub,’ a free online course that aims to define mental health, reduce stigma and encourage self-care activities.
‘Holy Frit’ film tells sacred, profane story of ‘huge, freaking’ stained-glass window
By Kathryn Post — November 10, 2023
(RNS) — The documentary captures Judson Studios' race against time to build one of the world’s largest stained-glass windows for the biggest mainline church in America.
Pope Francis to join other clergy at first ‘Faith Pavilion’ at climate summit
By Adelle M. Banks — November 9, 2023
(RNS) — ‘This demonstrates the significance of the interfaith movement in helping to tackle the climate emergency,’ said one faith leader about the pavilion.
In wake of Ohio abortion victory, some clergy rejoice, others mourn
By Kathryn Post — November 8, 2023
(RNS) — ‘The fight is well from over,’ said Catholics for Choice Ohio field organizer Nicole Morino, who mobilized Catholics in the state who support abortion rights ahead of the vote.
American Baptist Churches USA to be led by Rev. Gina Jacobs-Strain
By Fiona André — November 7, 2023
(RNS) — ABCUSA’s new leader stands out, as only 13% of ABCUSA churches are pastored by women, and 86% of women in Baptist churches still report facing obstacles in their ministry because of their gender.
Mike Johnson’s reading of Scripture misses what it really means to be a Christian nation
By Liz Theoharis — November 2, 2023
(RNS) — The question is, what Scripture is the new House speaker reading?
Middle Collegiate Church nears time for demolition of its historic facade
By Adelle M. Banks — November 1, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We tried to save a couple of ornamental pieces that we hope we can repurpose in the new building,’ said the Rev. Jacqui Lewis, its senior minister.
Why Black women like Yolanda Pierce are rising to lead top theology schools
By Rebekah Barber — October 31, 2023
(RNS) — The academy is raising up the voices it once blocked.
Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue melted down
By Jack Jenkins and Adelle M. Banks — October 26, 2023
(RNS) — ‘It’s taking that culture of death and repurposing it for the sake of life, telling this very long story of resistance to that white supremacist culture,’ said the Rev. Isaac Collins, a Methodist minister who attended the melting.
Poll: More religious Americans support the use of political violence
By Fiona André — October 25, 2023
(RNS) — One-third of white evangelical Protestants support the idea, significantly more than any other religious group.
Archbishop Welby, patriarchs of Jerusalem urge ceasefire, condemn church bombing
By Catherine Pepinster — October 23, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — Archbishop Welby spent several days in Jerusalem last week following the attack on Israelis by Hamas on Oct. 7 and the ensuing assaults on Gaza by Israeli forces.
Archbishop of Canterbury, in Jerusalem, to meet with Christians and Jewish leaders
By Catherine Pepinster — October 20, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — Speculation is growing that Welby, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Eastern Orthodox Church might jointly issue a statement calling for a ceasefire.
