Church in flux: In the US, Protestant denominations try new ideas as they face declines in members and money
PETER SMITH, of Associated Press, reports on how mainline Protestant churches are grappling with the changing religious landscape in the US…
Most US congregations avoid discussing politics, new study shows
United States RNS Despite the incessant tracking of evangelical Christian, Latino Catholic, Muslim and other religious groups through the recently ended election season, a study released on Election Day by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research showed that most congregations are politically inactive, with nearly half actively avoiding discussing politics at their gatherings. The Hartford […]
Pastoral care: The past few years have left clergy burned out and exhausted. But that can change, say experts.
GENEVIEVE CHARLES, of Religion News Service, reports that having a clear plan for an intentional health or wellbeing practice can lead to flourishing when it comes to mental health for clergy….
Church music: Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest in a “complex” instrument
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports that young musicians have taken to the organ at a time when there has been a decline in the number of instruments and in the professionals who play them…
“Why I Left the Church”: Meet the US pastor behind that “quitting the church” essay
A pastor’s last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church. BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, reports…
Ongoing role: COVID-19 health emergency is ending but in the US, faith-based vaccine clinics continue
Over the last few years, African American congregations have provided outsized action on getting people tested and vaccinated. ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on how this will look going forward…
“Not a real schism”: Four years later, UMC exodus less a gush, more a trickle
YONAT SHIMRON and EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, report that an analysis of departing churches suggests the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination will be weakened, but it is unlikely to break…
Church attendance: More Americans stay away as pandemic nears year three
Many Americans already had dropped out of church life before the pandemic. BOB SMIETANA reports that a new survey shows COVID-19 gave them a reason to let go completely…
“Not just the ramp”: Worship spaces need more accessibility
HOLLY MEYER, of Associated Press, reports on how churches and other worship spaces in the US are responding to the needs of the less-abled…
From monthly to missing: In the US, Sunday school looks different since pandemic’s start
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on the challenges facing Sunday schools after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered churches…