The only Catholic parish in Gaza and a convent serving nuns associated with the order of the late Mother Teresa both were targeted by Israeli Defense Forces Dec. 16, leaving two women dead, others injured and the convent in rubble….
Vatican declaration approved by Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples, but not marriages
Less than a week before Christmas, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a theological declaration approved by the pope allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The document, titled Fiducia supplicans, outlines “the pastoral meaning of…
Most Americans believe democracy is at risk in 2024 — but for different reasons
Election-related pessimism, paranoia and predictions of political violence are among the key findings of the 14th annual American Values survey, author and pollster Robert P. Jones said. “One of the things we’re finding is that the political temperature in America…
‘Blue Christmas’ services aim to bring comfort, hope
It’s hard for to say the words “Blue Christmas” without hearing the late Elvis Presley’s rich baritone voice. Elvis isn’t credited with starting the liturgical trend with his 1957 hit song, but “Blue Christmas” services have increased significantly among United…
Testimony of exonerees is best way to sway opinion on death penalty
Death row exonerees represent some of the most powerful arguments against capital punishment, especially for legislators and others who have no idea how the U.S. death penalty system works, Death Row survivor Herman Lindsey said. “You’re able to reach people…
Republican supporters of Donald Trump share this trait, Pew Research finds
An unwillingness to compromise is a common denominator among supporters of Donald Trump in his bid to return to the White House, according to Pew Research. A new national survey of Republican and Republican-leaning registered voters found 63% believe it…
Israeli soldiers make videos as they mock Islam in captured mosque
Amid a war already marked by charges of genocide, Israeli soldiers were filmed mocking Islam in a mosque in the West Bank this week. The desecration of the Muslim place of worship brought a swift apology from Israel Defense Forces…
Christian Colleges caught in ‘woke’ culture wars
Christian universities are feeling the pressure to choose a side in the ongoing culture wars over “wokeness.” The issue of “wokeness” has only grown over time as the term has become a core rhetorical point in the culture wars, presidential…
Evangelical Immigration Table urges Congress to consider what Jesus would do
Congress must include legal protections for asylum seekers and unaccompanied migrant children in any border-security legislation under consideration, a coalition of Christian organizations said in a letter to federal legislators. The Evangelical Immigration Table urged Congress “to consider these two…
You think Christmas is a challenge for church leaders? Look at the calendar convergence coming in two months
The candles haven’t even been lit for Christmas Eve services, but for pastors and church staff looking ahead to the new year, an unusual calendar conflict is waiting in the wings two months from today. For only the fifth time…
Evangelical children ministry ‘sounds alarm’ about proposed LGBTQ rule change
Lifeline Children’s Services, a ministry co-founded decades ago by a Baptist elder and now claims to be the country’s “largest evangelical adoption and child welfare agency,” is sounding an alarm about a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health…
As U.S. House opens impeachment probe against Biden, religious leaders are silent
The Southern Baptist speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is leading an effort to impeach President Joe Biden with no evidence of wrongdoing, and religious leaders are largely silent about this turn of events 11 months before the next…