Essay: My beautiful ‘practicing’ Christians – as churchgoers’ numbers shrink, their social views grow more similar
In an article first published on The Conversation, MICHAEL EMERSON, a scholar of religion and public life, argues that American Christians are growing more similar in some of their social and political views…
Marking the longest night: Winter solstice is having a moment – in US churches, too
In mainline Christian circles, winter solstice celebrations and longest night services are growing in popularity. KATHRYN POST, of Religion News Service, reports…
US churches consider what sanctuary might look like in Trump’s second term
RNS At a congregational meeting earlier this month, members of Columbus Mennonite Church in Ohio’s state capital gathered to figure out how they might respond to President-elect Donald Trump’s call to enact “the largest deportation” in US history. The church has long been a part of the sanctuary movement, which offers shelter for undocumented immigrants […]
Capital punishment: Faith leaders, activists, the Pope urge Biden to empty federal death row before Trump term
Activists and faith leaders hope to save the lives of 40 federal death row inmates, fearing Donald Trump would authorise an ‘execution spree’ after taking office. BOB SMIETANA and JACK JENKINS, of Religion News Service, report…
US faith leaders express dismay amid report Trump will allow immigration raids at churches
United States RNS US faith leaders are reacting with concern to a report that President-elect Donald Trump plans to rescind a long-standing policy that discourages immigration officials from conducting raids at churches, schools and hospitals. According to a report from NBC News on Wednesday, the incoming Trump administration plans to do away with a policy […]
US congregations, agencies race to resettle refugees ahead of Trump inauguration
Durham, North Carolina, US RNS At a quickly convened Zoom meeting in late November, members of Judea Reform Congregation summoned volunteers to form a team that would sponsor a refugee family before a January deadline. That deadline is 20th January, Inauguration Day, when Donald Trump returns to the White House, after which the US policy […]
Anxious, grieving, elated: Clergy prepare to preach into the post-US election whirlwind
Preachers are turning to webinars, directories of appropriate liturgies and moral support from each other as they determine how to address their congregants. ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports…
US election: Prayer, contemplation and comfort food as voters go to polls
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports, with the US election results yet to be announced, on how churches and faith communities have been encouraging prayer and unity in the lead-up to the vote…
US election: Faith groups use election scenarios to prepare spiritually, mentally for what’s next
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on how churches and faith organisations are preparing for the aftermath of the 5th November election…
President Biden to apologise for 150-year Indian boarding school policy
Norman, Oklahoma, US AP President Joe Biden said he will formally apologise on Friday for the country’s role in forcing Indigenous children into boarding schools, where many were physically, emotionally, and sexually abused and nearly 1,000 died. “I’m doing something I should have done a long time ago: To make a formal apology to the […]