Pope Francis urged President-elect Donald Trump to remember the poor when he takes office next year. Quoting an Italian daily newspaper, Religion News Service reported today that the pontiff offered no judgment about the reality TV star-turned-commander in chief. “I…
Types of Christians drawn to Enneagram growing
Michael Sciretti Jr. has spent years teaching about, and guiding students through, the Enneagram, an ancient practice that inspires spiritual growth through personality typing. And Sciretti, who is a Baptist, said he has also learned how important it is that…
Christians, Muslims fear backlash from Brussels attacks
The deadly explosions in Brussels Tuesday morning had some American Muslims and Christians awaking with dismay. “I’d like to say I was surprised, but I wasn’t,” said Joe Bradford, founder of the Houston-based nonprofit American Muslims Care. The previous arrests…
Religious charities gain in a down year
Religious organizations reported a 5.5 increase in donations last year, a marked contrast from the nationwide 2-percent decline in charitable giving, according to a study by Giving USA Foundation. Religious congregations, which accounted for 35 percent of the total $307…
FAITH DIGEST
Compared to Christians, fewer Jews switch faiths. Jews are less likely than Catholics or Protestants to change faiths, though religious switching nationwide has increased since 1965, according to a study released by the American Jewish Committee. Most who leave Judaism…
No opening day dogs for Catholic fans
CLEVELAND (RNS) — Major League Baseball’s opening day schedule has thrown Catholic fans a curveball this year. Seven teams are hosting their home opener on April 10 — Good Friday, when faithful Catholics abstain from meat. That means no ballpark…
New Poverty Forum aims to keep focus on the poor
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A bipartisan group of 18 Christian leaders has developed a host of policy recommendations on poverty reduction that they hope will shape the actions of the Obama administration and Congress. The effort, co-chaired by evangelical activist Jim…
Anti-gay pastor told not to come to United Kingdom
LONDON (RNS) — Britain has barred an American anti-gay Christian preacher and his daughter from entering the country, to stop them from spreading what the government described as “extremism and hatred.” Fred Phelps, who has gained notoriety in the United…