John Schmalzbauer, a religious studies professor at Missouri State University, said religion has long drawn tourists to Branson, Missouri, even before the city became known as a popular vacation spot for conservative Christians.
Federal appeals courts rule on legislative, judicial prayers
Two different federal appeals courts have recently ruled on cases involving prayers offered at official governmental proceedings. These cases, and the questions they pose, are worth watching.
World Council of Churches head meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
The acting general secretary of the World Council of Churches met this week with Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church head who has drawn global criticism for lending spiritual support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Turkish singer appears in court over religious schools joke
A Turkish pop singer accused of “inciting hatred and enmity” with a joke about Turkey’s religious schools rejected the charge Friday during her first court appearance.
‘Not all Nazis were bad,’ Indiana school board candidate comments, drawing ire
A local school board candidate in a suburb of Indianapolis is drawing criticism for insisting that “not all Nazis were bad” and that teaching that they were would represent “indoctrination.”
Texas Megachurch Announces Decision To Leave United Methodist Denomination
A Dallas-area church with more than 6,500 members said it will disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church and will remain independent while it investigates alliances with other Methodist denominations.
Why the GOP’s battle for the soul of ‘character conservatives’ in these midterms may center on Utah and its Latter-day Saint voters
U.S. Sen. Mike Lee is seeking reelection in Utah – a typically uneventful undertaking for an incumbent Republican in a state that hasn’t had a Democratic senator since 1977. But he faces a unique challenger: Evan McMullin.
New Orleans pastor admits defrauding church, school of $900K
A well-known Baptist minister in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for more than 30 years has admitted defrauding his church, its housing ministries, his congregations and a charter school of almost $900,000.
Australian Football Executive Forced to Resign, Prompting Debate about Religious Liberty
He lasted 30 hours. Andrew Thorburn, a former banker, was appointed chief executive of Essendon Football Club on September 27. A little more than a day later, he was forced to resign from the prominent “footy” club because of his…
In Branson, God and country serve as red, white and blue comfort food
A night at the Dolly Parton Stampede is a microcosm of life in these polarized United States.
Bob Fu: Chinese religious persecution intensifies
Religious persecution in China today is worse than it has been in decades, former Chinese dissident and longtime international human rights advocate Bob Fu told a gathering at Dallas Baptist University.
Tim Ryan, J.D. Vance Clash Over Racist ‘Replacement Theory’ In Final Debate
Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan and Republican J.D. Vance concluded Monday night’s Ohio Senate debate with a clash over “replacement theory,” a racist conspiracy that Vance has flirted with on Fox News, but now denies ever backing.