The Explainer: When a bishop called on Trump to “have mercy”, she was following the old Christian tradition of parrhesia
Professor of Christian history and theology MORWENNA LUDLOW, in an article first published on The Conversation, looks at the concept of ‘parrhesia’ and the role it’s played in church history…
Essay: Inauguration week was a collision of two Christianities
SHANE CLAIBORNE, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says that between the Christianity of Trump and the Christianity of Christ, there is the widest possible difference…
Trump demands an apology from bishop who asked him to “have mercy” on LGBTQ+ people and migrants
Washington DC, US AP President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop of Washington after she made a direct appeal to him during a prayer service marking his inauguration to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers who are in the United States illegally. Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God […]
In sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde pleads for immigrants, transgender rights
Washington DC, US RNS President Donald Trump attended the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday morning, finishing off the festivities marking the beginning of his second term with an interfaith service filled with prayers and hymns – and a sermon that offered a religious challenge to his administration’s stated goals. About […]
At state funeral in Washington, Jimmy Carter’s life celebrated as a “miracle”
Washington DC, US RNS A prestigious group of mourners, including a slate of current, former and future presidents and vice presidents, assembled in the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday for the state funeral of President Jimmy Carter, celebrating the life and legacy of the peanut farmer-turned-politician from Plains, Georgia. Carter’s casket, which had been lying […]
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…
Episcopal Presiding Bishop-elect plans simpler installation, citing “carbon footprint”
RNS Bishop Sean Rowe, elected last Wednesday to be the Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop, has decided to be installed in New York in a reduced version of the traditionally elaborate ceremony for the denomination’s transition of power. In an announcement issued on Friday, Rowe said his 2nd November installation will take place in the […]
Chef Jose Andres mourns World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza at Washington Cathedral
Washington DC, US Reuters Celebrity chef Jose Andres called seven aid workers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza “the best of humanity” on Thursday during a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral that was attended by hundreds, and punctuated by grief and ongoing questions about the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel […]
This Christmas, US churches are preparing for a frenzy of festivity
RNS A few hours after the Washington National Cathedral posted on Facebook on 29th November that admission to its Christmas family service and Advent concerts this year would require a $US7 ticket, the cathedral backed down in the face of the ire of its own parishioners and apologised for its decision. In a statement on […]
Washington’s National Cathedral replaces windows honouring Confederacy with stained-glass homage to racial justice
Washington DC, US AP The landmark Washington National Cathedral unveiled new stained-glass windows on Saturday with a theme of racial justice, filling the space that had once held four windows honouring Confederate Generals Robert E Lee and Stonewall Jackson. The new windows depict a march for justice by African Americans, descendants of the very people who would have remained in slavery after […]