RNS Morning Report: Worship with Dementia; James MacDonald on Sabbatical; DeMoss Closes

The Rev. Jamie Moyer, left, chaplain at Phoebe Richland, a skilled nursing center in Richlandtown, Pa., greets resident Shirley Derstine on Nov. 5, 2018, for a “Spirit Alive” service. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks

Need to know: Thursday, January 17, 2019

Dementia and religion: Songs and stuffed animals instead of sermons

'Spirit Alive,' a multisensory worship service for people with mid- to late-stage dementia, features a chaplain leading songs, holding up colorful pictures and passing out soft toys.

James MacDonald on ‘indefinite sabbatical’ from Harvest amid renewed criticism

The move comes as its elders announced a 'peacemaking process that seeks both reconciliation and change where needed' in an update posted Wednesday (Jan. 16) on the Harvest Bible Chapel website.

DeMoss, exec with ‘all-access pass’ to evangelical history, to close firm

After nearly 30 years, DeMoss, the nation's largest PR agency serving faith-based organizations and causes, is closing its doors.

Jewish women divided over Women’s March face difficult choices

Jewish women across the country are struggling to figure out whether to support a movement whose goals — electing Democratic leaders and building a more inclusive society — they too embrace, but whose leadership has been accused of anti-Semitism.

Trump’s Wounded Knee jab evokes dark history of suppressing indigenous religions

A tweet aimed at Elizabeth Warren is the latest statement to draw criticism of the president’s inaccurate portrayal of Native American history, writes Rosalyn R. LaPier.

Italy’s Super Cup fracas illustrates vexed bond between religion and sports

Controversy surrounds Italian soccer’s “Super Cup” in Saudi Arabia, which limits the attendance of single women. As the Catholic Church also attempts to corner-kick its way into the world of athletics, the fracas illustrates the complicated relationship between religion and sports.

 


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