WASHINGTON (RNS) — At a time when the ideals of compromise and collegiality seem like a distant dream in the nation’s capital, an unusually diverse coalition of religious leaders is asking Americans to pray for civility. “Through daily prayer, we…
On Grammy weekend, Christian music industry bounces back, thanks to strong sales
ATLANTA (RNS) — Christian recording artist TobyMac’s blend of rap, hip-hop, rock and soul raced up the charts last year and shattered many stereotypes along the way. “Toby blows everybody’s perception of what Christian or gospel music is because Toby…
Baptist church sign draws attention of Manhattan pedestrians, media
(ABP) — “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” Thus read the sign recently in front of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a New York City congregation whose pastor is all about convincing folks not…
Fasting like an Old Testament prophet gains followers during Lent
(RNS) — Amy Lester has followed Jesus for decades, but her keen appreciation for his sacrifice on the cross came only recently when she started eating like the prophet Daniel. During Lent, which starts Feb. 13, the 40-year-old mother of…
Baptism ages are dropping in churches which practice believer’s baptism, say observers
(ABP) — Something just clicked for Charity Roberson when she knew it was time for her to be baptized. Roberson, now pastor at Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield, N.C., was 9 at the time. Some of the memories are vivid….
Children conceived through rape open new front in abortion culture wars
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Standing before the throngs at the March for Life on Jan. 25, Ryan Bomberger admitted that he was the poster child for one of the most difficult aspects of the abortion debate: his mother had been raped….
Churches seek to help ease stress on caregivers — sometimes a challenging task
The New Testament commands Christ’s followers to “bear one another’s burdens.” But applying that principle to caregivers — people who shoulder the around-the-clock responsibility for meeting the needs of someone who cannot live independently because of advanced age, illness or…
EDITORIAL: An old question recast
Some of you, like me, are old enough to remember Flip Wilson and his comic assertion, “The devil made me do it.” Now there seems to be research that backs up this claim. Well, maybe not the devil, exactly, but…
Did I care enough? Caregiver recalls struggle with anger and guilt
During the five years she served as his caregiver, Sue Strother and her husband, Joe, understood the roles each filled. “He bore the pain. I bore the strain,” Mrs. Strother said. Her husband, pastor of North Riverside Baptist Church in…