ATLANTA, Ga. (RNS) — When authorities raided a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints compound in April and placed more than 400 children in state care, it brought the long-simmering issues of polygamous communities to a boil. Following…
Conservatives warn of gay marriage lawsuits
WASHINGTON — California's decision to legalize same-sex marriage could “spawn lawsuits all over the country,” trampling states' rights and limiting religious freedom, a coalition of conservative groups warned May 29. The Washington-based Family Research Council issued that warning the same…
Aid groups feel the pinch of rising food, gas prices
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Dramatic increases in food and gas prices are leaving some religious hunger-relief groups praying for relief. Problems already were apparent in 2006, but U.S. churches now report increased difficulty getting meals to people who need them. Food distributors see…
Their names may be lost to history, but their stories endure
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Lot's wife and daughters. Two thieves crucified with Jesus. Three Wise Men. They're all iconic figures from the Bible, yet they all have one thing in common. Officially, they have no names. The Bible is riddled with…
Hazards for both sides when politicians court pastors
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith. Mike Huckabee and his “Christian leader” ads. John McCain and John Hagee. Hillary Clinton and her “prayer warriors.” Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright. To put it mildly, the 2008 election has featured an…
Pastors ask town to ban Sunday morning sports
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — It is a weekly ordeal at the Rev. Donald Mossa's church. The moment the youth choir sings its last note, a swarm of parents descends to rush their kids to soccer games. Or they call to…
Pastor challenges couples to marry
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Daneisha Dunbar was never so happy to see her children cry. But there they were: 13-year-old Jheran, 10-year-old Aryn and 5-year-old Taryn, shedding tears and squealing with joy at the news that their mommy and daddy are…
Narnia creators seek to turn beloved books into accessible movies
NEW YORK (RNS) — C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia book series is so revered by Christian readers, adapting the books into film becomes a delicate tightrope. Changes risk alienating fans, but what works in the books doesn't always translate well…
You’ve got (spiritual spam) mail
MOBILE, Ala. (RNS) — The messages are simple enough. Some include a prayer. Others offer stories or pictures. Then, slipped into the cyber-epistle, the reader comes across the kicker: If you love God and/or are not ashamed of your religious…