News
Looking for radical solutions to decline, Church of England debates lay-led house churches
By Catherine Pepinster — July 9, 2021
LONDON (RNS) — A proposal published on the eve of the Church of England's General Synod shows the growing influence of evangelicalism.
Prominent Anglican bishop takes leave of absence amid ongoing accusations of mishandling abuse allegations
By Kathryn Post — July 9, 2021
(RNS) — Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese has taken a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled sexual abuse allegations.
AME General Conference votes to form committee to study LGBTQ issues
By Kathryn Post — July 9, 2021
(RNS) — The committee will examine Scripture and doctrine and will hear testimonies of LGBTQ individuals of African descent.
Vatican: Pope to deliver Sunday blessing from Rome hospital
By Nicole Winfield — July 9, 2021
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is walking, working and has celebrated Mass at a Rome hospital where he also will deliver his weekly Sunday blessing.
What is a mainline Christian, anyway?
By Jack Jenkins — July 8, 2021
(RNS) — A recent survey raises new questions about an old tradition.
Students accuse Bible college of racism as historic social work program is shuttered
By Liam Adams — July 8, 2021
(RNS) — Cairn University’s president says the decision was ‘co-opted’ by students and alumni making an issue of racism.
For another year, the world’s most famous door-knocking ministry will stay home
By Alejandra Molina — July 8, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — For the second year, Jehovah’s Witnesses are holding their annual conventions online. Their kingdom halls remain closed across the country. Door-to-door preaching has not resumed.
Jordan debating whether to open up to Shiite pilgrims
By Daoud Kuttab — July 8, 2021
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — Jordanians are discussing the possibility of opening the Sunni Islam-majority country to Shiite pilgrims long discouraged from visiting the tombs of the relatives of the Prophet Muhammad.
She lost her husband in a beach accident. Her book tackles what it takes to heal.
By Yonat Shimron — July 8, 2021
(RNS) — In her new book, Shannon Dingle writes about leaning into grief, accepting uncertainty, connecting to feelings, expressing hard truths and getting psychological help.
When it comes to LGBTQ Catholics, what Pope Francis giveth, the Vatican taketh away
By Claire Giangravé — July 8, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While Francis has often shown in his words and actions that he is close to LGBTQ individuals, the Vatican itself has done little to recast its hard doctrinal line — a dichotomy one LGBTQ advocate called ‘very confusing for people.’
Judge: Air Force mostly at fault in 2017 Texas church attack
By Paul J. Weber — July 8, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge wrote in a ruling signed Wednesday that the Air Force was ‘60% responsible’ for the massacre at First Baptist Church.
Families, rescuers hold vigil near collapsed building
By Associated Press — July 8, 2021
SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) — Family members and rescue workers held a vigil Wednesday night after officials announced they had given up hope of finding survivors.
Pope, from hospital, sends condolences to Haiti after attack
By Associated Press — July 8, 2021
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis sent his condolences to Haiti after what he said was the ‘heinous assassination’ of President Jovenal Moïse.
Survey: White mainline Protestants outnumber white evangelicals, while ‘nones’ shrink
By Jack Jenkins — July 8, 2021
(RNS) — The ‘unprecedented’ dataset also suggests that white Christian decline, which accelerated in recent years, appears to have slowed.
Former Trump official’s God-and-country nonprofit calls CRT a threat to ‘colorblind society’
By Bob Smietana — July 7, 2021
(RNS) — Russ Vought, a former Trump official, blames woke pastors for promoting a dangerous and anti-Christian ideology.
