WASHINGTON (RNS) — A new survey shows that “unchurched” Americans may be worshipping more, and “churched” Americans worshipping less, than many people might think. Numerous surveys track trends among “unchurched” Americans, but what does “unchurched” really mean? Does it mean…
Healing the sick
What distinguishes religiously-affiliated hospitals from their secular counterparts? Chaplains and charity care top the list, administrators of faith-based, nonprofit health care institutions agree. “Every morning at 5 a.m., a chaplain goes into our surgical unit, where he has the opportunity…
Faith no laughing matter, court says
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — Making jokes and comments about a person's religion can create a “humiliating and painful environment” and be a form of on-the-job discrimination, New Jersey's highest court recently ruled. The New Jersey Supreme Court said remarks about…
Standish named new head of religious-freedom commission
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Adventist leader James Standish has been named the new executive director of a federal panel that advocates for global religious liberty. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom announced Aug. 20 that James Standish would lead…
Saddleback forum points out candidates’ differences, similarities
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Individual stand on moral issues — from personal character to the international arena — was the foundation of the Aug. 16 Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. The two-hour forum, sponsored by Southern Baptist mega-congregation…
Healing the Sick: Candidates’ health plans reflect different visions for government
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Differences in presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama’s plans for reforming the American health-care system reflect their differing views on the proper role of government. Whether one plan more closely resembles biblical principles of justice and…
Healing the Sick: Bible class project sparks international medical ministry
CrossLink International workers loading medical supplies for shipping. FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — An eye-opening visit by a Baptist Sunday school class to a Moscow hospital nearly 20 years ago sparked a project that today provides millions of dollars in…
Healing the Sick: Texas church reclaims biblical healing mandate
TYLER, Texas (ABP) — A trip to the doctor can be financially catastrophic for some people — particularly the more than 45 million Americans who lack adequate health insurance. Bethesda Health Clinic, a faith-based primary-care clinic started by First Baptist…
Healing the Sick: Baptist layman provides gift of life to music minister
LUBBOCK, Texas (ABP) — Alzheimer’s disease may cloud Hal Rowe’s memory or derail his train of thought, but it has done nothing to damage his love of life and his desire to help others. Shortly after his diagnosis in the…
Healing the sick: Chaplains, charity care distinguish faith-based hospitals
DALLAS (ABP) — What distinguishes religiously affiliated hospitals from their secular counterparts? Chaplains and charity care top the list, administrators of faith-based, nonprofit healthcare institutions agree. “Every morning at 5 a.m., a chaplain goes into our surgical unit, where he…
Healing the sick
DALLAS (ABP) — What distinguishes religiously affiliated hospitals from their secular counterparts? Chaplains and charity care top the list, administrators of faith-based, nonprofit healthcare institutions agree. “Every morning at 5 a.m., a chaplain goes into our surgical unit, where he…
Healing the sick: Chaplains, charity care distinguish faith-based hospitals
A Hillcrest Health System pediatric nurse tends to a child. DALLAS (ABP) — What distinguishes religiously affiliated hospitals from their secular counterparts? Chaplains and charity care top the list, administrators of faith-based, nonprofit healthcare institutions agree. “Every morning at 5…