clergy
Baylor survey names a dozen who can really preach
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2018
(RNS) — Professors of homiletics picked the dozen — 11 men and one woman — from nearly 800 nominees.
Pope ordains 16 priests, tells them always ‘be merciful’
By Associated Press — April 22, 2018
(AP) — Pope Francis is reminding priests to always be merciful, as he ordained 16 men in a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Clergy reject Missouri bill on concealed guns in churches
By Jack Jenkins — April 12, 2018
(RNS) — The bill would 'broaden second Amendment rights at the expense of the First Amendment right of religious liberty,' said St. Louis Archbishop Robert J. Carlson.
When Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, what’s a clergyperson to do?
By Adelle M. Banks — February 14, 2018
(RNS) — A pastor of an Episcopal church plans to say 'Remember that you are beloved, and to love you shall return,' during the imposition of ashes (instead of the traditional 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return').
Man accused in priest attack believed girlfriend was raped
By Associated Press — February 10, 2018
(AP) — Police say the woman’s story changed when she was interviewed, and the Catholic Diocese of Fargo is standing by the priest, saying the woman denied rape allegations to diocese officials.
Modern Orthodox rabbis earn good salaries but few benefits
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2018
(RNS) — A first-of-its-kind survey of Modern Orthodox rabbis in the U.S. and Canada finds that their synagogues offer skimpy or barebones benefit packages.
Stressed-out Anglican priests turn to trade unions for support
By Catherine Pepinster — January 16, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — 'People nowadays expect and demand a quick response if they contact you. And there are some people who seem to feel free to express their anger to clergy in a way they would never do to someone else,' one priest explained.
New Mexico judge orders release of clergy sex abuse records
By Lauren Markoe — October 19, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Church officials said they hope the disclosure will serve as an additional step in healing for survivors, their families and parishioners.
Taking away the parsonage allowance is religious discrimination
By guest — October 10, 2017
(RNS) — 'The ruling breaks nearly 65 years of precedent and threatens churches across the country with nearly $1 billion in new taxes. It will also have devastating effects on pastors like me,' writes Chris Butler.
Save the clergy parsonage allowance!
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 10, 2017
Why shouldn't religion be taxed? It's a philosophical issue.
Federal judge strikes down tax-free housing for clergy
By Lauren Markoe — October 10, 2017
(AP) — The judge ruled that the exemption provides an unconstitutional benefit to religious persons and no one else, violating the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Preaching about guns? Get political!
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 5, 2017
Preachers can talk about the real world. Or, they can be irrelevant. You choose what kind of religion you want.
Life in a fishbowl: Survey gives voice to pastors’ spouses
By Adelle M. Banks — September 12, 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While 85 percent of respondents said their church takes “good care of us,” 6 in 10 agreed that their family’s financial needs are not met by their church salary.
My Sharpton problem — and ours
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 29, 2017
Has Reverend Al Sharpton changed? Let's hope so.
Clergy preach peace during Kenyan national elections
By Lauren Markoe — August 8, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Thousands had camped in churches to pray for a peaceful election. Pastors and priests had stressed in sermons that it was the people's right to vote, and urged them to choose leaders who would please God.
