Christian
‘Virtual’ public schools draw interest of religious families
By Omar Sacirbey — January 8, 2013
(RNS) Since Florida became the first state to try them in 1996, virtual public schools have enjoyed dramatic growth, at least some of it coming from religious families. Like home-schooling parents, parents of virtual public school students like having their children home so they can integrate religion and values into the school day. By Omar Sacirbey.
Africa rises, China falls on Christian persecution list
By Lauren Markoe — January 8, 2013
(RNS) The persecution of Christians "vastly rose" in Africa in 2012 as a result of power gains by radical Islamists, according to Open Doors, a Christian missionary organization which publishes an annual list of offending nations. By Lauren Markoe.
The SSPX thumbs its nose at the Vatican
By Mark Silk — January 8, 2013
A few days ago, the estimable @JamesMartinSJ wondered how the Vatican could still be talking with the Society of St. Pius X about bringing that schismatic group into the fold. If you want a clue, listen to the entire talk in which the Society's Superior General, Bernard Fellay, identifies "the Jews, the Masons, the Modernists" as enemies of the Church.
Activists mobilize around White House’s Catholic ‘hate group’ petition
By David Gibson — January 7, 2013
(RNS) The White House’s online petition service features a bid to designate the Catholic Church as a hate group for its opposition to gay rights, and has generated almost as many press releases as signatures. By David Gibson.
Vatican: Calling Jews ‘enemies’ of the church is unacceptable
By Alessandro Speciale — January 7, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Catholic Church reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with Jews after the head of a breakaway conservative group labeled Jews as "enemies of the Church.'' By Alessandro Speciale.
Church History Lives! Especially in South Carolina
By Mark Silk — January 7, 2013
Meeting here over the weekend, the venerable American Society of Church History did, as usual, struggle a bit with its problematic name. But there's good reason not to jettison it in favor of something more up-to-date.
“You can’t walk on that side of the street”: Institutional Israeli Segregation
By Omid Safi — January 6, 2013
We in America saw the moral shortcoming of segregated lunch counters, segregated buses and segregated schools.
In Israel, there are still segregated roads, segregated housing, segregated sidewalks, segregated...
Malala Yousufzai, the young Jihadist, released from hospital. #RiseAgain
By Omid Safi — January 5, 2013
Malala is ready to embark on the her Jihad. #RiseAgain
Church of England OK’s (celibate) gay bishops
By Trevor Grundy — January 4, 2013
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The Church of England on Friday (Jan. 4) confirmed that it has dropped its prohibition on gay clergy in civil partnerships becoming bishops -- but only if they agree to remain celibate. By Trevor Grundy.
Article on ‘Jesus’ Wife’ papyrus delayed for more testing
By David Gibson — January 4, 2013
(RNS) The Harvard Theological Review is postponing publication of a major article on the papyrus fragment in which Jesus seems to refer to his wife, raising further doubts about a discovery that was set to turn Christian history on its head when it was announced last September. By David Gibson.
Lutheran ‘comfort dogs’ welcome students back to Newtown school
By Solange De Santis — January 4, 2013
NEWTOWN, Conn. (RNS) As the children of Newtown returned to elementary school on Thursday for the first time since last month’s deadly shooting spree, they and their parents were greeted by support counselors, teachers and a team of four-legged pastors called "comfort dogs.'' By Solange De Santis.
Chicago cardinal leads new fight against gay marriage
By David Gibson — January 2, 2013
(RNS) Chicago Cardinal Francis George has launched a last-ditch campaign to convince the lame-duck Illinois legislature not to legalize same-sex marriage, saying that government “has no power to create something that nature itself tells us is impossible.” By David Gibson.
Innovative program helps retain Catholic teachers
By Gregg Brekke — January 2, 2013
CLEVELAND (RNS) Faced with the increasingly difficult task of recruiting and retaining quality teachers in cash-strapped Catholic schools, an innovative mentoring program pairs young teachers with mentors, roommates and financial incentives to stay in the classroom. By Gregg Brekke.
Photo Slideshow: Methodist Megachurch Service
By Sally Morrow — December 31, 2012
Click on any image to see photo slideshow.
Police recover stolen Bible after church’s string of bad luck
By Denise Hollinshed — December 31, 2012
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (RNS) A scruffy-looking man walked up and down St. Louis’ antiques row trying to peddle an old Bible to store owners, but several thought something was amiss. By Denise Hollinshed / The Post-Dispatch.
