“[U]nlike, say, racial integration, or gay issues that fit the traditional civil rights template … the issue of gay marriage and the arguments for it are surprising when you first hear them. If someone is a bit slow to wrap…
FAITH DIGEST
Charity drops ‘Christian’ from name. Christian Children’s Fund, a Richmond-based organization that helps needy children across the globe, has decided to change its name to ChildFund International as part of its plan to broaden its outreach. The charity was founded…
SECOND OPINION: A world without newspapers?
“Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” High school kids used to memorize that line from Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” In the poem, sailors go mad with thirst under a scorching sun as their cursed vessel…
How do you spell lust? Try M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
WASINGTON (RNS) — Las Vegas may be known as “Sin City,” but when it comes to transgressions per capita, parts of the Bible Belt may burn much hotter, suggests a new study by Kansas State University geographers. The project, conducted…
Churches in Central Virginia partner to construct homes
RICHMOND — In the Richmond area on any given day, there are at least 1,150 sheltered and unsheltered men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Bringing attention to issues surrounding affordable housing and encouraging professionals and volunteers to get involved with…
Poll shows mixed feeling about same-sex marriage, gay rights
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A large survey on American attitudes toward homosexuality reveals mixed feelings about gay rights, with Americans saying states should not be forced to recognize same-sex unions, but also saying gay couples should have access to federal spousal…
Volunteers from Alexandria church refurbish Eagle Eyrie
ALEXANDRIA — When thinking about spreading the gospel, a trowel and potting soil would not typically come to mind; but these were among the tools used by a mission team from Plymouth Haven Baptist in Alexandria when they spent a…
Religious people make better citizens, but youth are increasingly secular
WASHINGTON (RNS) — First, the silver lining: people of faith are better citizens and better neighbors, and America is “amazingly” religious compared to other countries, Harvard University professor Robert Putnam said. Now, the cloud: young Americans are “vastly more secular”…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Michael Dyer, to Fairview Church, Martinsville, as pastor. • Mike Morrison, to Middle Cross Church, Blue Ridge Association, as its first pastor. • Bill Alphin, to Westhunt Church, Richmond, as interim pastor. • Greg Sink, resigning as…
HERITAGE: A good place
The yellow line which runs down the middle of State Street in Bristol is the boundary between Virginia and Tennessee. The street itself has had a renaissance with attractive plantings and interesting shops and restaurants now occupying formerly empty buildings….
Financial management grads cite spiritual, as well as financial, gains
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Completing an in-depth study of biblical financial management not only dramatically improves a person’s financial position, but it also benefits their walk with Christ, family relationships and contribution to church life, according to research recently conducted…
Those in need find assistance at churches’ Saturday Free Market
RICHMOND — A crowd gathers on Saturdays before the doors open at 10 a.m., eagerly anticipating what will be found on the tables and racks inside. Some waiting outside will immediately head for the clothing department. Others are hopeful to…