The Rev. Jessica Hayden, pastor of Old Otterbein United Methodist Church in Baltimore, walks down the aisle of her church after baptizing an infant on June 17, 2018. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
Need to know: Monday, July 2, 2018
Multiracial churches increase as blacks, whites learn to worship together
As a new study shows that multiracial churches are on the rise, leaders of intercultural congregations say it takes perseverance to maintain diversity in their pulpits and their pews.
Willow Creek leaders issue public apologies for mishandling allegations
Elders and pastors at the Chicago-area church apologized for how they handled misconduct allegations several women made against founder Bill Hybels. (Subscription may be required.)
From Jewish saint, to Israeli politician, to diaspora’s ally
Natan Sharansky has spent the past nine years trying to stitch together Israeli and diaspora Jews — just as they seemed to be pulling farther and farther apart. (Subscription may be required.)
Jahi McMath, teen at center of medical and religious debate on brain death, has died
A Christian woman's legal battle to keep her brain-dead daughter on life support spurred a nationwide debate over brain death — and what constitutes death.
The ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ in church? Some Christians are questioning the mix of patriotism and God
A new generation of Christians is debating the conflation of religion and nation. (Subscription may be required.)
Latest news from RNS
Vatican City still has no policy to fight clergy sex abuse
(AP) — Pope Francis has taken measures to address a spiraling sex abuse scandal in Chile, but he hasn’t moved on a problem closer to home: Vatican City itself does not have policies to protect children from pedophile priests or require suspected abuse to be reported to police.
Evangelical leaders downplay potential Roe v. Wade reversal
(AP) — “The left is going to try very hard to say this is all about overturning Roe,” said Johnnie Moore, a Southern Baptist minister who was a co-chairman of the Trump campaign’s evangelical advisory board
Liberty University professor accused of sexual exploitation
(AP) — Virginia authorities say an educator at an evangelical Christian university led by Jerry Falwell Jr. has been accused of trying to have sexual relations with a minor.
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The case for gender-segregated beaches
(RNS) — News that New York City Councilman Chaim Deutsch has rented a city-owned Brooklyn beach for separate male and female swim days is creating excitement among devout Muslims and Orthodox Jews, but critics say the practice amounts to gender discrimination.
New research shows that women’s ordination boosts trust and commitment among some American worshippers
Women's ordination has an effect on women in the pews, a new national study finds. Congregations that give women the potential of gender equality in leadership can increase women's trust in, and commitment to, their religious communities.
Religious liberty: A US birthright for conservatives and progressives alike
(RNS) — Religious conservatives need to realize that they are not the only ones who believe religious freedom is a sacred right. And progressives, whether religious or not, should not dismiss the entire concept.
