churches
The church in a land of climate change
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Video: Churches and Domestic Violence
Commission suggests ways to keep closer eye on lavish ministries
(RNS) A special commission created by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability has called for clearer IRS guidance and greater involvement among donors to address “outliers” among congregations and other nonprofits that are not being financially accountable. By Adelle M. Banks.
Church leaders say returning vets need time, attention
(RNS) Denominational leaders and chaplains with years of military service are calling on more churches to find ways to minister to the men and women who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. By Adelle M. Banks.
Watchdog group accuses Catholic bishops of campaigning for Romney, asks IRS to investigate
(RNS) A public watchdog group is charging the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with openly politicking on behalf of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and wants the Internal Revenue Service to explore revoking the hierarchy’s tax-exempt status. By David Gibson.
Pastors to challenge IRS over political endorsements, and they’re likely to get away with it
LOS ANGELES (RNS) In a matter of days, some 1,400 American pastors are planning to break the law by endorsing a political candidate. And they’re likely to get away with it. By Lilly Fowler.
Survey: Economy continues negative effect on churches
(RNS) The economy continues to weigh on pastors, with a new survey showing that nearly two-thirds say it has affected their churches negatively. By Adelle M. Banks.
Does megachurch ‘high’ explain their success?
(RNS) A new study suggests that megachurch services produce a spiritual and biological “high” that keeps congregants coming back for more. By Chris Lisee.
Poll: Religious groups divided on gun control, but united against guns in churches
WASHINGTON (RNS) A new poll from the Public Religion Research Institute and Religion News Service finds that Americans are generally divided about gun control, but certain religious groups are far from ambivalent. By Lauren Markoe.
Court upholds Georgia ban on guns in church
(RNS) A federal appeals court has upheld Georgia’s ban on bringing guns to places of worship. By Adelle M. Banks.
COMMENTARY: Opening doors and liberating churches from ‘sacred spaces’
(RNS) Although church conventions tend to get attention for decisions on sexuality and gender, I am more intrigued by a movement among Episcopalians to sell their national headquarters building in New York City. More open doors, I say, and more out-there ministry in a dangerous world. By Tom Ehrich.
Yes, Mormons tithe, but most others don’t
(RNS) Across the religious landscape, tithing is often preached but rarely realized. Research into church donations shows a wide range of giving, with Mormons among the most generous relative to income, conservative Christians next, followed by mainline Protestants and Catholics last. By Bruce Nolan.
