Religion News Service — a news service of record for newspapers, magazines, broadcast organizations covering religion, ethics and spirituality around the world — has replaced its editor-in-chief in what appears to be a major shakeup of the award-winning non-profit founded in 1934.
Americans hold different views of what ‘religious’ means, new report suggests
(RNS) — There is a lopsided divide in America about what it means to be a religious person, with a majority believing that it’s about acting morally but a strong minority equating it with faith. Nearly six out of 10…
National Council of Churches, which includes 6 Baptist bodies, moves to D.C. in cost-saving measure
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The National Council of Churches is moving its headquarters from the historic “God Box” in New York City to Washington’s Capitol Hill — about a block from the offices of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty….
Africa rises, China falls on 2013 evaluation of Christian persecution
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The persecution of Christians “vastly rose” in 2012 as radical Islamists consolidated power in Africa, according to Open Doors, a Christian missionary organization that publishes an annual list of offending nations. Increasing threats to African Christians can…
Faith leaders want Americans to pray for collegiality in D.C.
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…
Does extreme weather signal the apocalypse?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — More than a third of Americans believe the severity of recent natural disasters is evidence that we are in the “end times” described in the New Testament — a period of turmoil preceding Jesus’ Second Coming and…
Poll: More than one-third of Americans see signs of end times in extreme weather
WASHINGTON (RNS) — More than a third of Americans believe the severity of recent natural disasters is evidence that we are in the “end times” described in the New Testament — a period of turmoil preceding Jesus’ Second Coming and…
Democrats gather in the heart of Billy Graham country
CHARLOTTE (RNS)—The host city for the Democratic National Convention is not a particularly political place. Charlotte is known for three things: banking, NASCAR and religion. And when it comes to religion, Billy Graham’s spirit looms large. America’s most famous evangelist…
Millennials losing faith in record numbers, says report
WASHINGTON (RNS)—A growing tide of young Americans is drifting away from the religions of their childhood—and most of them are ending up in no religion at all. One in four young adults choose “unaffiliated” when asked about their religion, according…