Missouri
Missouri lawmaker, wife ask court for contraception insurance exclusion
By Jennifer S. Mann — September 9, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) State Rep. Paul Wieland and his wife, Teresa, say the contraceptive benefit required by the Affordable Care Act violates their religious beliefs as Catholics and parents of three daughters.
It’s time for church people to stop their usual fussing (COMMENTARY)
By Tom Ehrich — September 2, 2014
(RNS) This year will be a test. Can American Christianity get over itself and truly serve a desperate society?
Churches must provide a space where people are free to be themselves (COMMENTARY)
By Tom Ehrich — August 26, 2014
(RNS) People need safe places, and church has provided that safety to many.
Ferguson: Why atheists should care — and what they can do
By Chris Stedman — August 21, 2014
It’s time for humanists to dig deeper. It’s time for humanists to stop being so lazy regarding issues of race violence. Race and the consequences of our racist society must become a priority within the humanist movement.
Across America, silent vigils in Michael Brown’s memory
By Trevor Hughes — August 15, 2014
(RNS) Attendees wore red ribbons to honor Brown, 18, at Thursday evening rallies from Maine to Michigan, Florida to New York, Vermont, Colorado and California.
After the Ferguson protests, church volunteers pick up the pieces
By Lilly Fowler — August 14, 2014
FERGUSON, Mo. (RNS) Carrying brooms and large garbage bags, volunteers collected whatever they could find: rubber bullets, broken glass, liquor bottles, tear gas grenades.
Video and photo slideshow: The many faces of Jesus
By Sally Morrow — January 28, 2014
Hanging in the hallways of Broadway Church, a historic stone structure in midtown Kansas City, Mo., are more than 200 artistic portrayals of Jesus. Inspired by Salvador Dali's "Christ of St. John of the Cross," the church's former pastor, Paul R. Smith, began collecting these "faces of Jesus", which were mounted in 1996.
In Missouri, Oak Scouts offers an alternative to the Boy Scouts
By Heather Adams — December 30, 2013
(RNS) As the Boy Scouts of America gets ready to admit gay youth, one Missouri organization has already broken away. Oak Scouts is designed to be a safe space for everyone, regardless of faith or sexual orientation.
N.C. governor allows anti-Shariah bill to become law
By Omar Sacirbey — August 26, 2013
(RNS) North Carolina became the seventh state to prohibit its judges from considering Islamic law after Gov. Pat McCrory allowed the bill to become law without formally signing it.
Mystery priest at accident scene is hailed as an angel
By Melanie Eversley — August 8, 2013
(RNS) A mystery priest who suddenly appeared -- and then disappeared -- at a Missouri accident scene is being called an angel.
Citing risk to adoptions, Missouri gov. vetoes anti-Shariah bill
By Omar Sacirbey — June 4, 2013
(RNS) Rather than citing the usual arguments about anti-Muslim discrimination, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said a bill to prevent foreign laws in state courtrooms would make it harder for Missouri families to adopt children from overseas.
Anti-Shariah movement changes tactics and gains success
By Omar Sacirbey — May 16, 2013
(RNS) After losing steam in recent years, the anti-Shariah movement has scored a string of victories by, ironically, leaving the words "Shariah" and "Islam" out of bills that restrict state courts from considering foreign law.
‘Ask an Atheist’ event replaces participation in St. Patrick’s Day parade
By Sally Morrow — March 18, 2013
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (RNS) Among the constant flow of people wearing green, toting beers and milling around the bars in Kansas City’s Westport neighborhood on Sunday (March 17), a man in a red plaid kilt held a sign that said, “Kiss me – I’m a Left-handed, Red-headed, Kilt-wearing Irish Atheist Stepchild!” The Kansas City Atheist […]
Fate of accused abusive pastor in the hands of his flock
By Tim Townsend — December 13, 2012
STOVER, Mo. (RNS) In any denomination, Christians confronted with the shocking news that a pastor has been accused of sexual misconduct, many congregations circle the wagons. But what happens when those circling the wagons around their pastor are also those who have to make the ultimate decision about his fate — his career, his paycheck, his reputation? By Tim Townsend.
Missouri remains land of religious promise for Mormons
By Tim Townsend — September 20, 2012
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (RNS) Few places have greater historic and religious significance to Mormons than Missouri. Likewise few places have been the site of greater Mormon conflict. By Tim Townsend.
