Weblinks: Doctrine and Teachings

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A year later, Creation Museum claiming big crowds

More than a half-million people have toured the Kentucky attraction since its May 2007 opening, museum officials said.

Anglicans back Darwin over 'noisy' creationists

The Church of England expressed deep concerns last night about the spread of creationist views as it prepared to unveil a website promoting the evolutionary views of Charles Darwin.

Bible Belt zealots hit Holy Land harmony

US Christian Zionists are a threat to any peace between Israel's Muslims, Christians and Jews

Dear Jesus ... or Santa Claus

Hope Shepherd doesn't believe in Santa Claus, so when it was time for her class to write a letter to Santa, she requested writing a letter to Jesus instead. No, Santa or nothing. After mom complained, the matter was resolved.  read more »

Failed faith healing kills another youngster

A couple who tried to heal their gravely ill son with prayer surrendered to authorities last week after they were indicted by a grand jury on charges of criminally negligent homicide.

Faith, hope and financial help

Churches offering classes as members grow more anxious

Florida Woman Says Former Church Plans to Make Her Sins Public

A 49-year-old Florida woman says her former church is threatening to reveal her sins to its congregation after learning that she is in a "sexually immoral relationship.

Iowa College Bases Musical on Bible's 'Terror' Stories

Cannibalism, rape, a bear that mauls children — this is the Bible?

Is the Bible Sexist? -Times Online

New research claims Bible's negative stance on women is a myth

Religion is no defense for polygamy, experts say

Warren Jeffs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is in jail for raping a minor to whom he was "Spiritually Married."

Vatican Says "Yahweh" Not to Be Pronounced

A note from the Vatican has reiterated a directive that the name of God revealed in the tetragrammaton YHWH is not to be pronounced in Catholic liturgy.

'Basic Instinct' author writes book about faith

The upcoming release from the man who penned dark thrillers such as Basic Instinct and Jagged Edge tells the story of his spiritual conversion and his newfound devotion to God and family.

'Demon or disorder?' one Christian psychology prof asks

A Baylor University study found that one-third of clergy across Christian denominations either denied help or dismissed the disorders as being spiritual in nature.

'Inked' for Christ? Tattoos and the Church

Not long ago, most American churches frowned on tattoos, but modern times have softened the stance.  read more »

'Islamic Jesus' hits Iranian movie screens

A director who shares the ideas of Iran's hardline president has produced what he says is the first film giving an Islamic view of Jesus Christ, in a bid to show the 'common ground  read more »

'Religious education' may be an aspect of child abuse

One core FLDS belief is that polygamy not only should be allowed, but is essential in order to achieve greater status within the church and in the afterlife, where a person's holiness is based largely  read more »

1 church in US splits from Episcopal diocese

Leaders of one of Georgia's oldest churches have voted to leave the Episcopal Church over its liberal-leaning interpretation of Scripture and acceptance of homosexuality.
A  read more »

21 Questions Answered About Mormon Faith

Mitt Romney’s run for president has put his Mormon faith in the spotlight, but the religion remains a mystery to most.FOXNews.com compiled a list of 21 questions representing some widely  read more »

A calling behind bars

Columbia International University offers ministry degree to inmates. Since i do prison ministry on occasion, I found this interesting

A Deeper Relevance

Why many Evangelicals are attracted to liturgical worship and why it matters.

A Mission of Understanding

A graduate of an evangelical college goes to the University of Maryland. He experiences some interesting challenges to his faith.

A new twist on the “Is Obama a Christian?” debate

The “Is Obama a Christian?” discussion is starting up again, this time not by people who suspect he’s a Muslim but those who think he’s a phony follower of Jesus Christ.  read more »

A radical spin on the life of Christ

"[Marcus] Borg charges that most mainline denominations don't go far enough in drawing the line between fact and fiction in the Bible. Mainstream churches have lost roughly 40 percent of their followers during the last few decades largely because contemporary Christians can't reconcile literal readings of the Bible with modern life, Borg contends."  read more »

Ad Featuring Popular Police Pup Sparks Anger in Scottish Muslim Communities

Muslims in the Scottish district of Tayside are outraged by the appearance of a wide-eyed, 6-week-old puppy on postcards distributed by the local police force, according to the Daily Mail.Postcards sh  read more »

AFP: Pope blasts Europeans for not having enough children

Pope Benedict XVI blasted Europeans for being selfish and not having enough children, in a sermon on Saturday at the 850-year-old pilgrimage site of Mariazell in Austria.
How d  read more »

African Anglicans try to transform US church

More on the consecration of bishops in Narobi for service to conservative Anglicans in America.

Agreeing on Jerusalem, not Jesus

By calling on governments to recognize an undivided Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Messianic Jews meeting in Lincolnshire this week only managed to create more friction with American Jews, despite  read more »

Alba alters religious beliefs

"Jessica Alba decided to leave her born-again Christian church after religious leaders accused her of being too promiscuous." Part of it was older men at church hitting on her. Part of it was her disa  read more »

Anathemas All Around

Four evangelical scholars delivered charges and counter-charges over the Trinity during an October 9 debate at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Ancient Bible to Be Reconstructed Online

Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest surviving copy of the New Testament, that had its Gospels and epistles spread across the world, is being made whole again — online.

Anglican Church on verge of schism

The worldwide Anglican Church was battling to survive last night after talks broke down amid acrimony during the final stages of the primates' meeting in Tanzania.
It's not looking good.  read more »

Anglican church schism declared over homosexuality

"Hardline church leaders have formally declared the end of the worldwide Anglican communion, saying they could no longer be associated with liberals who tolerate homosexual clergy." (Isn't it great ho  read more »

Anglican Leader in U.S. Over Gay Bishop

U.S. Episcopal bishops, fed up with Anglican criticism of their support for gay priests, implored the Anglican spiritual leader to hear their side of the story — in person.  read more »

Animal Sacrifice Suit Highlights Religious Clashes

When police came to his home on a quiet cul-de-sac in this Fort Worth suburb last summer, it was to demand that Merced -- an Oba, or Santeria priest -- call off a religious ceremony planned for the next day.  read more »

Archaeologists search for unbaptized babies' grave

Archaeologists began searching Tuesday for unmarked mass graves containing hundreds of unbaptized babies and infants buried by the Catholic Church on the edge of a Belfast cemetery.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Slams Church Homosexuality 'Obsession'

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has criticised his own church for being "obsessed" with homosexuality.
It's about more than just homosexuality.  read more »

Archbishop faces clash over gay marriages

Over 50 gay and lesbian clergy in the Church of England are married to same sex partners and conservative Anglicans are not happy!

Archbishop moves to penalize two "Womenpriests"

Two women who made Roman Catholic religious history say they are ready to be the new face of the priesthood, even as Archbishop Raymond Burke moved to formally penalize them for violating  read more »

Archbishop: Dawkins got religion wrong

Critics of religion were criticised last night by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who said the way in which Christians viewed God had been misinterpreted.Speaking at a lectur  read more »

Around the Nation: Fired evangelical leader Haggard appears in ’Jesus Camp’ doc condemning homosexuality

"The Rev. Ted Haggard has been fired amid allegations of gay sex and drug use, but the evangelical leader can still be seen at the height of his powers - preaching to thousands and condemning homosexuality - in the documentary Jesus Camp."  read more »

Atlanta Couple Convicted of Murdering Son; Church Investigated for Corporal Punishment Ties

A suburban Atlanta couple was convicted of murder Friday in the beating death of their 8-year-old son, a case that prompted authorities to raid the parents' church because it supports  read more »

Australian clergyman blasted for Holocaust claim

Australian Jewish community leaders blasted an American-born minister for suggesting that “a fate worse than the Holocaust” awaits Jews and others who have not embraced Jesus.Pastor Kevin Harris m  read more »

Author confronts liberal Christians

Rev. Gretta Vosper has laid down a radical challenge for Christians . . .  read more »

Baptist Convention Expels North Carolina Church for Welcoming Gays

Delegates to the Baptist State Convention have voted overwhelmingly to expel a Charlotte church for welcoming gays and lesbians without trying to change them.  read more »

Baptist vs. Baptist

A former Southern Baptist missionary who got her start as a church secretary is likely to become the first woman president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  read more »

Beheading of Wife Poses Another Test for U.S. Muslims

The harsh reality of what happened in an affluent suburb of Buffalo, New York — the beheading of 37-year-old Aasiya Hassan and arrest of her estranged husband in the killing — is another crucible  read more »

Bible texts misused in Rumsfeld reports, religious leaders say

"What is at issue is the possibility that the highest levels of the executive branch took biblical texts out of their proper context to cast the mission of the U.S.  read more »

Book of Mormon changes history

The introduction to the 2006 edition of the Book of Mormon has a new word: among.It sounds trivial, but to some it represents a huge change to teachings that have been passed on for genera  read more »

Boys, cast out by polygamists, find help

When his parents discovered his secret stash of DVDs, which included the "Die Hard" series and comedies, they burned them and gave him an ultimatum.  read more »

Burqas now available in spandex for sport and swimming

Muslim ladies down under are finally making a splash — thanks to a new bathing suit known as the "burqini."
Australian Muslim women can now swim without breaking th  read more »

Bush Says Creation 'Not Incompatible' With Evolution

President says in televised interview the Bible is "probably not" literally true and that a belief God created the world is compatible with the theory of evolution.

California Supreme Court says breakaway parish can't take national church's property

Rebellious congregations that part ways with their denominations may lose their church buildings and property as a result, the California Supreme Court said Monday in a unanimous ruling.

Canadian Muslim Teen's Dad Charged in Her Murder; Friends Say They Clashed Over Head Scarf

A Canadian man has been charged with murdering his own daughter, and her friends say the two clashed over her refusal to wear a Muslim head scarf. Police have not commented on a motive.

Cardinal Ruini affirms Church teaching on euthanasia

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the president of the Italian bishops’ conference, reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to euthanasia during comments on January 22. Cardinal Ruini also sharply cr  read more »

Caste problem exists in Christianity

Caste and Christianity in India. How far can we accomodate culture?

Catholic bishops say book could mislead the faithful

A book on interfaith relations by a Georgetown University theologian does not accurately reflect Roman Catholic teaching, a U.S. bishops' committee said Monday.The Rev. Peter C.  read more »

Catholic Church drops school fidelity vows

THE Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney has withdrawn plans to have its 167 school principals, deputy principals and religious education co-ordinators commit publicly to a "vow of fidelity  read more »

Catholic church excommunicates 'Army of Mary' group

The Roman Catholic Church here announced Thursday it has excommunicated members of a Canadian group called the Army of Mary, led by an 86-year-old who claims to be a reincarnation of Jesus  read more »

Catholics disconnecting from Mass see church out of touch, Australia bishops' study says

Catholics disconnected from Mass attendance and other parish life believe the Catholic Church is out of touch with the world today and is not relevant to their own lives, according to a new study commissioned by the Australian bishops.
Many people who have stopped attending their church services believe that their church is out of touch, but it generally goes in that order, not the other way.  read more »

Changing the focus: Religious moderates stress 'moral center'

Jim Wallis of "Sojourners" in Madison, WI, thinks homosexual marriage is not "Jesus' top priority" and suggests that clergy and state should focus more on starvation and disease than morality.

Chicago Lutheran Church Ordains Lesbian

A Lutheran church in Chicago has ordained a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, becoming the first to test a new resolution that gives bishops leeway in disciplining such violat  read more »

China Executes Leader of Christian Sect

The leader of a Chinese Christian sect and at least 11 of his subordinates have been executed for ordering the murder of members of a rival religious group, as authorities sought to suppress big underground churches that they deemed cults.
So this shows that there are different underground Christian groups in China, and just because they're underground, they're not all united in doctrine.  read more »

Choosing my Religion

A flawed guide to choosing a religion if you're not already affiliated. The gist is that it's all about the community. I say it's all about the teachings.

Christian group lines up behind Israel

Zionists Christians United For Israel are stepping out in support of Israel, based on Biblical references to Israel being God's people.

Christian groups accuse BBC drama of inciting anti-Christian bias

The BBC are facing accusations of anti-Christian bias after a BBC drama portrayed evangelical extremists murdering Muslims. One Christian group said the corporation had a "sinister" and "malicious" agenda against their faith, while another claimed the BBC1 Spooks programme could be an "incitement to hatred" against them.  read more »

Christian Hospice Helps Dying Man Lose His Virginity

A hospice founded by Sister Frances helps a dying man experience sex by paying for a "sex worker" to visit him.

Christian law group loses fight with Hastings

UC Hastings College of the Law can deny recognition and funding to a Christian student group because it excludes gays, lesbians and non-Christians, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Christian Lawyers Reject ‘Intolerant’ Sexual Orientation Regulations

Under the regulations, it will be illegal for a Christian printer to refuse to print material promoting homosexual sex, or a Jewish conference centre to refuse to accept a booking from a g  read more »

Christian leaders call for two-state solution in Middle East

Some three dozen leading US evangelical Christian leaders have praised President George W Bush's efforts to achieve Mideast peace, embracing a two-state solution between the Palestinians and the I  read more »

Christian pressure kills off bias ban

The South Australian Attorney-General has admitted dropping a planned ban on religious-based discrimination from a new law because of fears from Christians they would be prevented from converting non-Christians.
 Should the government tell churches that they can't point out the errors of other churches and religions?  read more »

Christian Radio Network Blasts Wisconsin School for Student Cross-Dressing Event

An elementary-school event in which kids were encouraged to dress as members of the opposite gender drew the ire of a Christian radio group, whose angry broadcast prompted outraged calls to the distri  read more »

Christian Versus Follower of Jesus

On Facebook, more than 900 groups use a variation of 'follower of Jesus.' It doesn't carry baggage.

Christian-themed Tribulation Knights anointed for PCs

Stealth-based third-person action game preaching Christian values announced; violence-free title set in days after The Rapture.
Looks like they learned from Left Behind: Eternal Forces. No fighting whatsoever. But it's amazing what money can be made on pre-trib theology.  read more »

Christianity without Christ

Gretta Vosper, pastor of West Hill United Church in Toronto, Canada, has published a book titled "In With or Without God." She writes that Jesus was a "Middle Eastern peasant with a few charismatic g  read more »

Christians plan 'night to honor Israel'

A leading Evangelical US pastor has announced plans to hold a "night to honor Israel " in every major American city as part of an Evangelical political campaign.
Zion  read more »

Christians pray that Muslims find Jesus

Ramadan has begun, so Muslims are praying. Christians are also using this month to pray that Muslims find Jesus. Muslims are offended and comparing it with the Pope's quotes.

Christians Respond to BBC2’s Newsnight ‘Witchcraft’ Report

The Evangelical Alliance has unreservedly condemned all forms of child abuse, and said that it considers any accusation of witchcraft levelled at a child to be abusive, immoral and unbibli  read more »

Christians Wrong About Heaven, Says Bishop

Wright doesn't believe in heaven — at least, not in the way that millions of Christians understand the term.  read more »

Church discipline on the rise

The return to church disciple has been gaining momentum for several years.
This is a good thing, but it must be handled properly and not in haste. And our friend Al Mohler has  read more »

Church Giving Outlook: You've Got Some Time

Research shows that members' contributions stay steady through first years of recession.

Church members upset with changes

First Baptist Church in Florida has a new pastor. He's ditched the organ, put up video screens and brought in a praise band--all in his first six months! Some aren't too happy about those changes.

Church of England faces ruin over women bishops

The Church of England is in danger of "shattering" into thousands of stained-glass pieces if women are ordained as bishops, its governing body was warned this morning.

Church Refuses Communion to Lesbian Couple

The priest at their church has reportedly said that if news hadn't got out about them being a lesbian couple the public wouldn't have known and the church would not have had an issue with them as members.  read more »

Church Seeks to Save People from Global Warming

The Uniting Church in Australia is putting on a major focus on reducing Greenhouse gasses to fight global warming.  I'm all for better management of the environment, but when the 1st Article trumps the Second Article (of the Creed), the church has lost its focus.

Church to decide if women can become bishops

THE governing body of the Church in Wales will today gather in Lampeter to decide whether or not to allow women priests to become bishops.

Churches Start Pro-Gay Ad Campaign

Several churches started an advertising campaign in Indianapolis this week, hoping to challenge the Christian assumptions about homosexuality. Five different billboards is being placed around the Indianapolis area with pro-gay messages.
Except the passages they reference have nothing to do with homosexuality.  read more »

Clinton Comment on 'Great Sin' of Christian Right Draws Criticism

President Clinton says that it's a sin to believe that you have the truth in your religious faith. (I say if it's not the truth, you should look elsewhere.)

Coalition wants halt to Mormons’ baptism of camp victims

A coalition of Jews is denouncing the Mormon church for posthumously baptizing victims of Nazi concentration camps.

Comment: The need to believe

Comment on Richard Dawkins new book _The God Delusion._ You've got to believe in something; Dawkins believes in science.

Commentary: Christian bookstore's shameful actions

But what is a greater issue is that Lifeway clearly has no respect for freedom of the press.  read more »

Community of Christ votes to adopt new scriptural passage

Delegates to the Community of Christ World Conference voted overwhelmingly Friday to add a passage to church doctrine which, among other things, says that scripture should not be interpret  read more »

Confession in transition

The Internet and street kiosks have become innovative outlets for absolution seekers

Conservative path offered on Episcopal training

The school where Jim earned his D.Min. is going after conservative Episcopalians. Do they see an opportunity here?

Conservative Presbyterians Leave Church

About 30 of the nearly 11,000 Presbyterian congregations have voted to leave the national church since the denomination's national assembly session in 2006, according to The Layman, a  read more »

Conservatives Win Va. Court Case to Split From Episcopal Church

Nearly a dozen conservative church congregations in Virginia have won a long-running lawsuit in which they sought to split from the U.S. Episcopal Church in a dispute over theology and homosexuality.

Controversial Stands Prompting Some To Leave UCC

"Controversial stands on same-sex marriage in a 2005 synod and the embracing of theological trends such as referring to God in feminine terms is causing some churches to leave the United Church of Christ."  read more »

Coptic Patriarch's Claim That 'Jews Killed Christ' Shows Persistence of Anti-Semitism Among Arab Christians

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said a recent statement by a prominent leader of the Coptic Church, who claimed that the New Testament says that the Jews killed Christ and that the Vatican was wrong to apologize for two thousand years of church-based anti-Semitism, "shows the persistence of anti-Semitism among Arab Christian leaders."
As I recall, both Jews and Gentiles (Roman Guards, Pontius Pilate) were involved, but mostly, I blame myself.  read more »

Court says church can brew hallucinogenic tea

A church in Ashland, Ore., can import and brew a hallucinogenic tea for its religious services, under a federal court ruling issued March 19.Judge Owen M.  read more »

CRC synod votes to allow leadership roles for women

The 2007 synod of the Christian Reformed Church voted Tuesday night to allow women to have greater roles in the church.Women now serve as ministers and deacons in some churches, but the an  read more »

Cremation: Israel's Latest Religious War

The crematorium burned down on Aug. 22, a day after ultra-Orthodox activists discovered and publicized its location.  read more »

Did God Want You to Get That Mortgage?

Has the so-called Prosperity Gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants — and hence, victims — of the current financial crisis?

Diocese Breaks With Episcopal Church

An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national denomination over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church.Clergy and lay member  read more »

Document Released By Pope Stirs Catholic Controversy

Regardless of what you may be reading on news sites and blogs elsewhere, this document does not represent a shift away from the teaching of the late and revered Pope John Paul II about ecumenism (relationship and dialogue with Christians of other denominations.) It is not a return to pre-Vatican II theology.  read more »

Dodds' aide in firing line over 'anti-Christ' statement

Pressure was today mounting on the senior Stormont ministerial aide who labelled the Pope the "anti-Christ" after business leaders complained to Enterprise and Trade Minister Nigel Dodds to voice thei  read more »

Does Jesus look kindly on us light burners?

According to research from the Union of Concerned Scientists, a home with 100,000 traditional holiday light bulbs means one of the TVA’s power plants needs to burn three to six tons of c  read more »

Easter christian beliefs

MORE than four in 10 Australians who do not consider themselves "born again"' still believe Jesus rose from the dead, while one in 10 does not believe he existed.

Edwards' Blogger Resigns After 'Anti-Christian' Row

Religious groups outraged at provocative comments made by two bloggers employed by the John Edwards for President campaign said the resignation of one of the bloggers Monday evening is not enough.
Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan blogged for Edwards and made derogatory comments toward the Roman Catholic Church's position on contraception and the doctrine of the virgin birth.  read more »

Egypt Cleric Says 'Mickey Mouse Must Die' Comments Tarnish Islam's Image

A Saudi cleric’s comments that Mickey Mouse is an agent of Satan who should die are damaging to Islam’s image and should stop, an Egyptian Muslim scholar said Wednesday, Agence France-Presse repor  read more »

ELCA Head: Challenging Time to Be a Lutheran Christian

"In a time when mainline denominations are on a steady decline in membership, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said the dropping numbers are not something he is proud of.  read more »

Environmentalism unites churches

Rev. Richard Cizik, vice president of governmental affairs for the National Association of Evangelical spoke about why Christians need to embrace environmentalism.

Episcopal church gets female head

"Katharine Jefferts Schori took office on Saturday as the first female leader of The Episcopal Church and the first woman priest to head an Anglican province, two landmarks that could quickly be overs  read more »

Episcopal Church Votes to Oust Bishop Who Seceded

The Episcopal Church moved to remove the bishop of the San Joaquin Diocese in California on Wednesday, in reaction to the diocese's unprecedented decision late last year to secede from the church over  read more »

Episcopal diocese may abandon U.S. church

The San Joaquin Diocese would be the first to align itself with more conservative, foreign members of the global Anglican Communion.
Bishop John-David Schofield in Fresno is dealing with a church body that rejects the Bible as the Word of God, so he's looking to place himself and the entire diocese under a bishop who does.  read more »

Episcopal Leader Suggests Jesus Isn't Only Way To God

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is standing by her assertion that Jesus is the Christian's way, but perhaps not the only way, to God.
 I think we've heard this before from her. And she got to be a bishop instead of being defrocked how...?  read more »

Episcopal parish in Marlborough leaving US church

A conservative Episcopal parish in Marlborough is bolting the denomination, in the latest indication that even in liberal Massachusetts the Episcopal Church is losing congregations over it  read more »

Episcopal Priest: I'm a Muslim

A woman who's been an Episcopal priest for 20 years has become a Muslim. However, she still considers herself a Christian.
Are Christianity and Islam mutually exclusive? (I  read more »

Ethics crisis in America? Church leaders say yes

From billion-dollar ponzi schemes to bad mortgages and pay-to-play dealings by public officials, some are asking: Is there a crisis of ethics in America?

Evangelist accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible

(CNN) -- A top U.S. evangelical leader is accusing Sen. Barack Obama of deliberately distorting the Bible and taking a "fruitcake interpretation" of the U.S. Constitution.  read more »

Ex-Iraq hostages urge forgiveness for captors

Three Christian peace activists held hostage for nearly four months in Iraq said Friday that they "unconditionally" forgive their captors and don't want to see them face the death penalty.
There's a difference between forgiveness and justice.  read more »

Exchange student accepts Christ, disowned by family

When Sherzod, who recently graduated from Jacksonville (Ark.) High School, telephoned his Muslim parents in Uzbekistan to tell them of his newfound faith, his father disowned him, making it clear he was no longer welcome in his home and was never again to speak to his mother or his siblings.  read more »

Exclusivity of Christ Still Controversial Today

The exclusive claims of Christ are just as controversial today as they were 2,000 years ago, says one national youth leader.  read more »

Expressions of the spirit

Churchgoers describe what it feels like to be filled with the Holy Ghost

FACTBOX: Facts about Mormonism, Romney's religion

Republican Mitt Romney will take on the issue of his Mormon faith by stressing America's tradition of religious tolerance.
 read more »

Failing Christianity

The author, a religion prof at Piedmont college, reflects on how little her students know about the Christian faith that they confess as their own. Catechesis anyone?

Faith forms a bond for a lesbian priest and a Mormon father of three

A documentary film about same-sex marriage and theology leads to friendship, admiration and new understanding.

Faith healing church parents charged over toddler's death

Two followers of a fundamentalist Christian church that favours faith healing over conventional medicine are to be prosecuted for manslaughter after their daughter died of a treatable infection.Carl a  read more »

Feature Stories Article

Fictional book aims to teach theology -- and does so badly. (Really badly! I read it. JB)

Former Hindu says he came to know Christ through ancient Hindu text

"A former chief justice of India, a Hindu Brahmin, told Menon he had taken two wrong turns in his life. He said Menon turned to the wrong gods when his misfortunes came and when he became an atheist when prayers failed. The judge advised him to study the Veda if he wanted to feel proud to be a Hindu."  read more »

French Nun Says Church to Rule on Cure by John Paul II

If the story Sister Marie Simon-Pierre told Friday is true, then Pope John Paul II exercised miraculous powers from beyond the grave. A proven physical miracle is an important qualification on the road to sainthood.
She claims that John-Paul II cured her Parkinson's Disease.  read more »

From Israel, a wine for Christians

What would Jesus drink?  read more »

Ga. Mayor Converts to Islam

Ellis, 61, a Macon native who was raised Christian, said he became a Sunni Muslim during a December ceremony in the west African nation of Senegal.
Mayor Jack Ellis, Mayor of M  read more »

Gaddafi says Jesus had 'lookalike'

LIBYAN leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi believes it was not Jesus who was crucified at Easter, "but someone who resembled him".
OK, so was it the lookalike who appeared to the disciples and later to Thomas and showed them His wounds?  read more »

Gaddafi: Allow Jews, Christians entry to Mecca

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi called to “allow Jews and Christians to visit Mecca and circle the Kaaba (cubical building surrounded by the Sacred Mosque).”
Gaddafi has changed in many ways over the past few years.  read more »

Gay Activists Arrested at Christian College

Deputies have charged four gay activists with trespassing at Covenant College, a Georgia school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America.
The college makes students sign a sexual morality oath, including a commitment against homosexuality.  read more »

Gay and Evangelical

Is it possible to be gay and an evangelical? Some say yes and others no.

Gay Christians granted approval

A Canadian gay student Christian group, Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM), is launching a "Queer and Christian Without Contradiction" campaign this summer. The idea is to support GLBTQ stu  read more »

Gay issue dividing Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

A Toronto-area Lutheran church parish plans on ordaining a married gay man despite warnings it is breaking Church teachings and it will face disciplinary action, including expulsion, if it goes ahead.

Gay Lutheran clergy come out of closet

Dozens of gay and lesbian clergy and seminarians from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Tuesday openly proclaimed their sexuality to church members meeting this week at Navy Pi  read more »

Gay Lutheran Pastor may be Deferocked

A gay ELCA pastor in Atlanta may be defrocked after telling his bishop that he's in a relationship with another man. St. Paul would've defrocked him, too.

Gay man sues publishers over Bible verses

A gay man is suing two heavyweight Christian publishers, claiming their versions of the Bible that refer to homosexuality as a sin violate his constitutional rights and have caused him emotional pain  read more »

Gay marriage proponents to deliver protest letters to LDS Church

A group of Mormons who support gay marriage said Thursday they plan to deliver 300 protest letters and a petition to church headquarters.

Gay Mega Church Joins UCC

"Dallas, Texas) The Cathedral of Hope, regarded as the world's largest gay church, has joined the United Church of Christ." Does this surprise anyone?

Georgia Baptists take aim at women-led churches

Georgia Southern Baptists approved a policy Tuesday aimed at diminishing the role of churches led by women pastors.The policy is a broad one and provides the Georgia Baptist Convention the ability to  read more »

Gospel Today magazine pulled from Christian bookstores' shelves

Gospel Today, the Fayetteville-published magazine, was pulled off the racks by the LifeWay bookstores’ owner, the Southern Baptist Convention. The problem?  read more »

Green is not the only Christian voice

The Gay community is trying to denounce Stephen Green and his religious organization, The Christian Voice, by quoting a number of liberal clergy. I'm not sure what they're trying to prove. It's lik  read more »

Group says John Paul II to return as anti-Christ

World's Last Chance, a group that takes reading the Bible to all-new-extremes, claims to be "exposing one of the last unfulfilled prophecies of the Bible. Specifically, World's Last Chance believes that they have found clues within scripture that suggest Pope John Paul II is coming back ...  read more »

Haggard rules out PETA video narration

Before the scandal broke, Ted Haggard was going to narrate a PETA video. But not now.

Happy Halloween -- here's some Jesus Christ!

Halloween is the #1 season for religious tract sales. Should Christians hand them out?

Hard choices for modern nuns

For these women, the “Jesus narrative is not the only or the most important narrative. ...  read more »

Harvard gets religion

Harvard may soon require alll students to take religion classes. While this is a return to their Puritan roots, what kinds of religious classes would be taught at such a school?

Hidden End-Times beliefs still steer politicians, despite exit of Palin

One of the most forbidden religious topics in recent years, including during the run-ups to the Canadian and American elections, has been the End Times.

Historic irony

In 1904, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was in a battle with the federal government over the church's definition of marriage -- one man, many wives.  read more »

Huckabee Questions Mormons' Belief

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, asks in an upcoming article, "Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?"The article, to be publ  read more »

Ian McKellen accuses Anglican church of homophobia

Sir Ian McKellen today waded into the row over gay clergy that has engulfed the Anglican communion, accusing the church of homophobia.

In Madagascar, digging up the dead divides families

"It was when Andre Rabeatoandro saw his father's shinbone emerge from the tattered burial shroud that he began to question the Malagasy tradition of partying with the dead."

India's Christians celebrate first woman saint

Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday gave the Roman Catholic church four new saints, including an Indian woman whose canonization is seen as a morale boost to Christians in India who have suffered Hindu violen  read more »

Indian inmates claim right to practice religion is denied

American Indian inmates at Maine State Prison have sued prison officials, alleging that their First Amendment religious rights were abridged because of lack of access to such requirements as a sweat lodge, powwows and ceremonial food and music.
Is this something they could practice in their cell?  read more »

Inside the wacky world of Christian pop culture

A secular Jew's look at the Evangelical Christian subculture via his book "Rapture Ready."

Iranian Textbooks Teach Islamic Supremacy, Inequality for Women and Non-Muslims, Study Finds

Iran's schools are teaching children to abide by Islamic supremacy and discriminate against non-Muslims and women, according to a study of Iranian textbooks by the think tank Freedom House.

Is a Return to the Latin Mass in the Cards?

Younger priests and seminarians want to return to the Latin Mass. They also want more prayers of the Rosary, greater devotion to Mary, and a diminished role for women.

Islam, Virgins and Grapes

Muslim fundamentalists damage Islam far more than any number of Danish cartoonists ever could, for it’s inevitably the extremists who capture the world’s attention.  read more »

Islamic Law to Be Imposed in Parts of Pakistan

The government agreed to impose Islamic law and suspend a military offensive across a large swath of northwest Pakistan on Monday in concessions aimed at pacifying a spreading Taliban insurgency there  read more »

Jesus and Mother Mary (Jane)

The world of Hollywood Television can be the meeting place of some very different people, on the surface that is. Take the case of Craig X Rubin and rap star Snoop Dogg. The latter has a worldwide “raputation” while the former is the Reverend and founder of Temple 420, a Bible-based, Judeo-Christian sect, which believes that pot is a religious herb, as discussed in Revelation 22. How are they similar? They are both stars on Showtime’s hit cable series “Weeds” and the only two characters to play themselves. Something else in common: trouble with the law.  read more »

Jesus appears in a school assembly

At an Indian school assembly, a medium "transformed" into Christ and started giving out blessings. Ambulances had to be called in.

Jesus Clearly Never Studied Economics, new translation says

"A new Bible translation is causing controversy after it cut out difficult parts surrounding economic justice, possessions and money." Yes, imagine what the world would be like if we all helped each other out, gave to the poor, etc.!  read more »

Jesus Died So We Could Be Rich! Declares Biblical Expert and Best Selling Author

Dr. Norman Robertson Believes U.S. Investigation on Mega-Church Pastors is Unjust Because God Wants Us to Be Rich
I think he's missing the point.

Jesus loves - not approves of - Osama

Jesus does indeed love Osama bin Laden, but a controversial Sydney church sign saying so is misleading, says Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen.
Here's a case where people need to give them the benefit of the doubt. "Love your enemies." It says it on the bottom of the sign.  read more »

Jewish School Team Faces Replacement Over Championship on Sabbath

Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy's boys team could be headed for a regional championship on Saturday, March 8, if it wins one more game Thursday.  read more »

Jews for Jesus angers Ukrainian Jews

Ukrainian Jews are protesting a concert held by Jews for Jesus in Dnepropetrovsk.The concert took place on Nov.  read more »

Jews for Jesus in new push

The missionary group Jews for Jesus has launched a new push to gain the allegiance of British Jews, the JC can reveal.

Key Tenets of Mormon Faith

No Trinity: Mormons reject the idea of the Christian Trinity — God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as one ethereal being.  read more »

LDS Church comments on 'Big Love'

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is speaking out about concerns over an upcoming episode of HBO's "Big Love," which apparently depicts sacred temple ceremonies.

LDS Church responds to story on musician who left church

LDS Church officials declined to be interviewed about Peter Danzig's case for the story, "Debate on gays forces musician out of LDS," but the church issued the following statement Sunday a  read more »

LDS Church stressing its differences from FLDS polygamous sect

Mormon leaders today said they are stepping up efforts to make the public aware of the differences between the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the polygamist Funda  read more »

LDS Church to Legislature: Malt beverages should not be on grocery shelves

The politically powerful LDS Church has told state lawmakers it favors the controversial proposal to take flavored malt beverages off grocery store shelves.  read more »

LDS Church turns down request to watch over FLDS

A day after a Texas judge asked the LDS Church to help monitor prayer sessions of women and children of a fundamentalist polygamous group, a church spokesman said doing so would be inappropriate.

Less than half of Australian Generation Y believe in God

Only 48% of Australians in Gen Y believe in a god, and most see little truth in religion.

Liberal agenda of Western churches a 'new form of colonisation'

Anglican leaders from Africa say the actions of American and Canadian churches in electing an openly gay bishop and blessing same-sex unions has led to them being "ridiculed" in their home countries.

Liberal churches dying; As religious groups accept new moralities, attendance is dropping off

The fact is, the more "liberal" a church becomes, the more church attendance declines. And in Canada, as elsewhere, churches have been taken over by the liberals and - with the e  read more »

Liberty says no to Soulforce visit

Liberty University does not plan to allow members of the gay activist group Soulforce to step on campus today, despite the group?s announcement Monday of plans to do just that.

Liberty to allow gay group to visit campus

The Soulforce 2008 Equality Ride, a nationwide bus tour that promotes acceptance for gays and lesbians on Christian college campuses, will start this year's tour with a Wednesday visit to Liberty  read more »

Lioness in zoo kills man who invoked God

"God will protect me!" "ROAR!" *Munch* You shall not tempt the Lord your God.

Lisa Marie Presley defends Scientology

Lisa Marie Presley is expressing her condolences over Jett Travolta's death and defending Scientology, the religion that Presley, John Travolta and Kelly Preston follow.

Lutheran draft report sidesteps judgment on gay marriage

Finding little consensus in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a panel recommends that wedlock still be defined as between a man and a woman, but it doesn't condemn same-sex unions.

Lutheran task force recommends changing gay-clergy policy

A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended Thursday that its leaders make changes to allow gay and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy.

Lutherans to debate celibacy rule

Prompted by the sudden dismissal of a popular Atlanta pastor in a committed same-sex relationship, impatient supporters of gay clergy will push an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as  read more »

Lutherans to ordain married gay man

Despite stern warnings from a Canadian bishop, a southern Ontario Lutheran church will take the unprecedented move of ordaining a married gay man.Pastor Dawn Hutchings says about 50 clergy from across  read more »

Lutherans Urged to Accept Homosexual Ministers

A national assembly of Evangelical Lutherans urged its bishops Saturday to refrain from defrocking gay and lesbian ministers who violate a celibacy rule, but rejected measures that would h  read more »

Man in right-to-die case mourned outside church

Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday at the lay funeral of a paralyzed man who had a doctor disconnect his respirator. The Roman Catholic Church denied a religious ceremony for Piergiorgio Welby on the grounds that he sought to end his own life, a decision that prompted some at his funeral to display signs that read: "Church, shame on you."  read more »

Maple Ridge Anglican church votes in favour of gay marriages

An Anglican church has voted to begin offering same-sex blessings of gay marriages as soon as it's given permission to do so by its diocese.Same-sex blessings have created a major schism within the An  read more »

Mary Mother of Jesus : Not just for Catholics anymore

Features on Mary are perennial favorites for editors looking for a religion-themed story before Christmas, and in the last few years many of these articles have focused on the increasing popularity of Mary among Protestants.
Lutherans have always held Mary in high regard.  read more »

Medical doctors plan to prove divine healing with data

A bunch of doctors are getting together to discuss and hopefully prove that prayer increases your chance of physical healing. But it's been done, sort of.

Meet will discuss impact of religion on woman’s sexual rights

The impact of religious fundamentalism on woman’s sexual and reproductive health and rights will be one of the issues to be debated at the Fourth Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive  read more »

Mexican Church voices anger

Mexico President Felipe Calderon has backed the Catholic Church's stance on abortion and declared himself against a change in the country's strict abortion laws.
They're proposing a law that would legalize abortion in the 1st 13 weeks.  read more »

Mexico - New Believer Jailed For Receiving Christ

Juan Mendez Mendez became a Christian in a village outside of this city in Chiapas state on April 7, and two days later local authorities put him in jail – for leaving their religious bl  read more »

Misunderstandings about the African-American church

In the past two weeks, the news media have focused on the relationship of Sen. Barack Obama and his former pastor, who recently retired from Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.  read more »

Mormon gays tread lightly in latest bid for acceptance

While the church still teaches that gay sex is a sin and actively opposes gay marriage—which it will do from pulpits across California this Sunday—a first-ever meeting between Mormon officials and  read more »

Mormons and the cross

It's no accident that Mormon steeples, temples and necks are free of Christian crosses.LDS leaders long have said the cross, so ubiquitous among traditional Christians, symbolizes Jesus' death, while  read more »

Mormons: We are Christians, too

During the morning session, Hinckley said he found the Nicene Creed, a statement from 325 A.D. about the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ that most Christians accep  read more »

Moses was "Tripping" at Sinai

Benny Shannon, prof. of cognitive psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem argues that Moses was high on psychotropic plants when he saw the burning bush, heard God's voice, etc.

Most Americans Believe Jesus Rose from Dead, David Killed Goliath Literally

Three out of four adults (75 percent) said they interpreted the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ as literal truth.  read more »

Museum’s tablet lends new weight to Biblical truth.

A cuneiform inscription in a tablet dating from 595BC has been deciphered for the first time – revealing a reference to an official at the court of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, that proves the h  read more »

Muslim Brides Undergoing Painful Vaginal Surgery to 'Re-virginize' for Wedding Nights

Like most woman her age, Salim has smoked, drank, had sex and even lived with one of her past boyfriends.However, if the devout Muslim family of her soon-to-be husband – or even her own  read more »

N.D. Tribe Barring Church Protesters

An American Indian tribe passed a law banning Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS from protesting at a military funeral.   read more »

New Bible has a 'green' theme

The Green Bible uses green ink to spotlight more than 1,000 passages extolling the goodness of creation and God's charge to mankind to care for it.

New Bible Is a Matter of Time

The edition rejiggers the order of books, psalms and Gospels to provide a historical framework for a text most scholars consider chronologically challenged.

New book by Anglican scholar claims Jesus ‘had no family values’

AN ANGLICAN scholar has launched a new book lampooning Christian family values. Dr Deirdre Good, a New Testament professor at the Episcopal Church’s General Theological Seminary in New Y  read more »

New ground in debate on 'curing' gays

Christian ministries who see homosexuality as a treatable disorder are starting to think that choice may not be a factor.

No God for the Swedes

Only 23% of Swedes say there is a God and many independent Christian groups say they are persecuted.

Norway's Lutherans ease ban on allowing those in gay partnerships to serve in clergy

Norway's state Lutheran church on Friday lifted an outright ban on allowing those living in homosexual partnerships to serve in the clergy, but will leave it up to each bishop to make  read more »

Obama is no Joshua; denies uniqueness of Christ, hell

Here's Obama again: "I don't presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die.  read more »

Obama Uses Jesus' Sermon to Bolster Gay Civil Unions

Barack Obama defended same-sex civil unions Sunday by referring Christians against the practice to look at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which he contends supports gay civil unions.

One love: Jamaican hymnal to offer reggae - The Boston Globe

The new Anglical hymnal will include "One Love" by Bob Marley. Will the priests start wearing dread locks?

Opinion: How real is the Resurrection?

Do we really believe and teach the resurrection? Not as we always should!

Oregon Court Hears Custody Dispute Involving Dad's Wish to Have Son, 12, Circumcised

The father of a 12-year-old boy told the Oregon Supreme Court that he should be allowed to arrange for his son to be circumcised, even if his ex-wife has concerns about the procedure.  read more »

Oregon House works to exempt churches from anti-discrimination bill

The sticking point in the Legislature's effort to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation has been the threat seen by church leaders to their institutions' religious freedom  read more »

Out of the Darkness: More care, less condemnation by religion

Much of the stigma surrounding suicide is rooted in religion. For centuries, the act was largely seen as an unforgivable sin - an instant, one-way ticket to damnation. No longer.

Pakistan asked to keep religion private

"Dr Nasim Ashraf, the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has called on players to stop displaying their religious beliefs in public. Recently the Pakistan team has made it a point to pray outside the privacy of their own rooms as well as holding religious gatherings in team hotels."  read more »

Parents want religious exemption for newborn blood tests

To the Spierings, Nebraska's requirement that newborn babies undergo blood screening within 48 hours of birth is an infringement on their religious beliefs and their right to decide what is best for their four children.
They're evangelical Christians who also embrace some Scientology. But when certain tests need to be done right after birth,  where's the line between parental rights and the welfare of the child?  read more »

Pastor outspoken on tongues resigns seminary post

Texas pastor Dwight McKissic, who has been at the center of a debate in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) over speaking in tongues, has resigned his trustee position with Southwestern  read more »

Pastor welcomes church trial for lesbian marriage

Rev. Janet Edwards is on trial by the PCUSA in Pittsburgh for conducting a lesbian wedding. She's sent out invitations and thinks she's Queen Esther. I wonder if Robert Gagnon will be there?

Pelosi, Pope Have No Meeting of the Minds

It would appear from the two statements issued by the Vatican and the speaker's office that Nancy Pelosi and Pope Benedict did not share the same views during her audience with the pontiff.

PhD program explores Christian spirituality

A new doctorate program at a conservative Baptist seminary will explore the life lessons of the Bible at a time when self-help spirituality is being popularized by celebrities like Oprah.

Pirating Songs of Praise

Christians are conflicted about illegally downloading music. Spread the Word vs. "Thou shalt not steal." BTW, what's on your iPod?

Police act on complaints against independent church

Church bodies are also outraged over claims by the pastor that female members can be made more attractive and have better physique through his “miracle healings.”
Malaysia  read more »

Poll Shows American Catholics Go With Their Faith Over Their Religion

A new Gallup poll is out that finds almost no difference between mainstream American Catholics and non-Catholics when it comes to deciding the moral acceptability of abortion (a majority of both say n  read more »

Poll: Americans see gloom, doom in 2007

25 percent anticipate the second coming of Jesus Christ. 19 percent think scientists are likely to find evidence of extraterrestrial life.
I would count myself among that 25%. I know Jesus is coming back, and tomorrow is as good a day as any.  read more »

Poll: Catholics Embrace Faith, Not Mass

American Catholics said in a new survey they were pleased with the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI, ahead of his first visit to the U.S. since he was elected.  read more »

Polygamists Fight Church to Be Called Mormon

Polygamy-practicing fundamentalists with religious roots in early Mormon theology are rankled by the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' campaign to direct the way news organizatio  read more »

Pope Benedict XVI Changes Catholic Church's Stance on Unbaptized Babies and Limbo

What happens to a baby's soul when the baby dies without the benefit of the Sacrament of Baptism? The official answer of the Roman Catholic Church to this all-important question was revised today when the International Theological Commission released a ground-breaking report, and Pope Benedict XVI approved it's findings.
Turns out they might go to heaven after all.  read more »

Pope invites Lutheran theologians to discussion about Jesus

As Pope Benedict XVI continues work on the second volume of his book about Jesus of Nazareth, he has asked two Lutheran theologians and some of his former students to discuss with him issues he will b  read more »

Pope Offers an Answer to Church's Crisis

The answer to the crisis the Church is facing, especially in the West, consists in proclaiming and rediscovering the grandeur of God's love, experienced in prayer, says Benedict XVI.
This may be picking nits, but if you want to "experience" God's love, you'll find it in the Word & Sacraments, not prayer.  read more »

Pope says Revelation should be read as Christ's victory over evil

The pope has basically come down against the Left Behind craze and said that Revelation has more to do with our lives now than the future. I tend to agree.

Presbyterian leaders OK gay clergy

Leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) overturned a long-standing ban on the ordination of gays and lesbians Friday, providing yet the latest example of a religious denomination struggling with how,  read more »

Priests leave Pope's doctrines outside confessional

A yawning gulf between the stern doctrines preached by Pope Benedict and the advice offered by ordinary Roman Catholic priests has been exposed by an Italian magazine

Profile: Archbishop Peter Akinola

Pr. Akinola has been the one fighting the liberals in ECUSA in dealing with homosexuality. He knows his Bible--and he will fight for it!

Prom date costs student graduation date

An Ohio senior is suspended today from the fundamentalist Baptist school he has attended since kindergarten for attending a public school prom.  read more »

Protestants find room in faith for Mary

"All people will call me blessed!" says Mary. That includes non-Roman Catholics as well. (FWIW, my congregation has celebrated the feast of St. Mary in the past.)

Queensland Catholics to join other Christians in rain prayer

"Queensland Catholics and other Christian denominations will unite with the state's Premier Peter Beattie next week in a common prayer to break the drought that has the state at crisis point." So h  read more »

Rabbis may denounce prayer backed by Pope as dangerous to Jewish-Catholic ties

Conservative rabbis could vote this week on a resolution warning that a Latin prayer backed by Pope Benedict XVI, urging Jews to embrace Jesus, could endanger Jewish-Catholic ties.  read more »

Radical Christians blame sinners for drought

Catch the Fires Ministries, which has links to several prominent politicians including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has hired Festival Hall so 5000 of its followers can pray for rain on Aust  read more »

Reincarnation of living Buddha needs approval

All the reincarnations of living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism must get government approval, otherwise they are "illegal or invalid," China's State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said in Beijing Friday.
This has got to be one of the strangest church/state stories I've seen.  read more »

Religion and the Roots Of India's Caste System

I am not sure what part of the caste system Ms. Prasad believes is sanctioned by religion. While the Bhagavad-Gita mentions four "varnas," or castes, according to one's qualities and characteristics, the caste system was originally designed to promote the harmonious workings of society.
Interesting.  read more »

Religion Briefs Spokesman defends Pelosi abortion view

A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has struck back against criticism from prominent Catholic prelates who accused her of misrepresenting church teachings about abortion."While Catholic teachin  read more »

Religion on British Campus

A secular society that demands tolerance should also show tolerance
Christianity on British campuses is on the rise, contrary to predictions that it would eventually faze out. Meanwhile, questions abound as to what permissions Christian organizations have, whether they can allow only Christians on their executive committees, etc. But Other religious groups face no such questions. Why can Christians be scrutinized and not others, and should they be allowed the same freedoms as others? 

Religious decree: Bleaching cream is a sin

"Cairo - Any woman who uses bleaching creams in order to lighten her skin is committing a sin forbidden in Islam, according to a new Fatwa (religious decree) issued by the Mufti of Egypt, Dr Ali Gomaa."  read more »

Religious group fights suicide ban

"Hirawat, 93, a frail, birdlike woman, has eaten nothing in more than a month, attempting to free her soul from its bad deeds, part of the Jain religious tradition that says fasting can lead to nirvana."  read more »

Religious leaders discuss whether Virginia Tech shooter was under demonic possession

Through sorrow and shock the nation struggled to find answers to why Cho Seung-Hui went on his killing spree at Virginia Tech.
Was Cho demon-possessed? Different clergy answer  read more »

Religious social service groups must cover contraceptives in workplace medical plans

"Catholic and other religious social service groups must provide contraceptive coverage through their workplace-sponsored medical insurance programs even if they consider contraception a sin, according to Thursday's ruling by New York state's highest court."  read more »

Religious strife in Iraq

A few weeks ago, a young woman who was a member of the Yazidi sect fell in love with a Sunni Muslim and converted to his faith. Other Yazidis, whose religion incorporates elements of Judai  read more »

Renowned Rabbi Uses Internet to Slam Jews for Jesus

Outreach Judaism, a leading counter- missionary organization based in New York today launched its new website offering a free, exhaustive library of information regarding Jews for Jesus&#3  read more »

Report: Saudi Cleric Says Mickey Mouse 'Must Die'

Calling the loveable Disney rodent “one of Satan’s soldiers,” Sheikh Muhammad Munajid said household mice and their animated counterparts must be rubbed out, the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph reporte  read more »

Risking heresy to serve as priests

Robed in floor-length white linen and purple stoles, two Roman Catholic women will kneel this afternoon in a spare Roxborough sanctuary, in a liturgy both ancient and audacious.Their bishop will lay h  read more »

Roman Mass--Old school!

The Vatican is going to lift restrictions on the Latin Mass. Mel Gibson can rejoice.

Romney's religion under the microscope

Even in explaining the modern Mormon church, Romney must persuade voters - particularly evangelicals - that his faith is no threat to theirs.
A Mormon for president? It's one thing to have a Roman Catholic or even an atheist, but what about someone who's a member of the largest cult in America? Would that affect his presidency? And what about all those unpopular teachings that the LDS have since renounced, like polygamy and that blacks are cursed?  read more »

Row over church's apartheid views

A row is brewing over whether the Dutch Reformed Church should be be reinstated as a member of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.  read more »

Russian Orthodox Church Reports at Least 3 Cases of AIDS Healing by Faith

The Russian Orthodox Church has known of cases in which AIDS has been miraculously healed, the Interfax news agency quoted Moscow Patriarchate spokesman Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin as saying on Friday.  read more »

Rwanda: Anglicans Reject Western Accusations of Rebellion

"The problem they have with the African believers is because we remained faithful to the biblical teachings and instead challenged them about their conduct.  read more »

S.F. Lutheran church to ordain noncelibate lesbian

Dawn Roginski will be ordained at St. Francis Lutheran Church in an "extraordinary ordination" service.

Saints alive! - The Boston Globe

Can you believe that relics still exist? They do! The Archdiocese of Boston has bone fragments from Matthew, St. Patrick, and others. (I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I'll sell them!)

Santeria priest won't let religious freedom be sacrificed

Jesus Suarez, a Santeria priest, had slit the throat of one goat that June afternoon. He had three more goats, two sheep and 44 chickens to go.

Sarah Palin, the pastor and the prophecy: judgment day is not far away

At the Wasilla Assembly of God Church, Sarah Palin’s former pastor sees powerful signs that the end of the world is nigh.

School Chaplains in Australia

Australia is proposing to add a "school chaplain" the same way some schools have a "police liaison officer." "The chaplain, who would be chosen by a school community and then vetted by the Federal Government, would be required to provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, comfort and support for grief-stricken students, like those affected by last week's multiple car crash tragedy in Lismore."  read more »

School District Sued For Holding Graduation Ceremony In Church

The New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing Newark public schools for holding a high school graduation ceremony in a Baptist church.
A Muslim student couldn't attend his own graduation because he can't go into places with religious images.  read more »

Second Lambeth Conference a blow to Williams

Conservative Anglican leaders are secretly planning a meeting next summer for the hundreds of bishops expected to defy the Archbishop of Canterbury by boycotting the Lambeth Conference, The Daily Tele  read more »

Senator Biden Gets Churched

The Catholic bishop of Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware, Bishop Francis Malooly, recently published a letter to the editor in response to an interview Senator Biden gave to the same paper about hi  read more »

Should Catholic Priests Be Allowed to Marry?

Pope Benedict XVI will convene a meeting this week in the Vatican to discuss whether the vows of celibacy and the ban on marriage for priests who want to marry, or have married in the past, should be overturned.  read more »

Should Christians attend Gay Weddings?

Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" seminar says you can celebrate a gay couple's adoption of a child but not a gay wedding.

Should Christians Bribe Jews to Christ?

If normal evangelism methods don't work, is bribery acceptable? Should Christians give money to reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem?

Sing-Along DVD With Terror Message Targets Children

An Egyptian-made sing-along DVD aimed at children in the local Muslim community in England reportedly glorifies homicide bombings, The Daily Mail reported.

Snake Handling Pastor Arrested In Illegal Snake Bust

"The pastor of a Kentucky church that handles snakes in religious rites was among 10 people arrested by wildlife officers in a crackdown on the venomous snake trade.

So God 'probably' doesn't exist. Don't these atheists have any conviction?

And it's not even much of a clarion call, is it? God PROBABLY doesn't exist. You should answer fire and brimstone with fire and brimstone.  read more »

Sojourners Believe Jesus Cared More About Earth Than Heaven

The chairman of the liberal Christian group Sojourners says he believes that "Jesus coming was not primarily about getting people into heaven."
Seems they're only  read more »

Spectre of false exorcism still haunts the Catholic Church

Hundreds of Germans, tortured by inner voices, are searching for priests who can free them from what they believe to be the grip of the devil, according to an extraordinary radio documentary that has  read more »

St Peter was not the first Pope and never went to Rome, claims Channel 4

But a new documentary will challenge the link as nothing more than a "conspiracy of faith".  read more »

Stolen Greek Icon Recovered

Greek Police have recovered the stolen icon, which was very well hidden by its captor, who had demanded a $1.5 million ransom.

Study delves into why Americans change religions

Americans are fickle consumers of religion, with about half changing religious affiliations at least once in their lives as they drift away from childhood traditions or stop believing in the teachings  read more »

Study finds most in U.S. reshape religion

The survey of 36,000 people by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life - unprecedented in the combination of the number of people interviewed and the breadth of questions asked - reveals that Americ  read more »

Study: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Inspires Women to Leave Churches

More than 50,000 women a year have deserted their congregations over the past two decades because they feel church is not relevant to their lives, according to a British academic study — and shows l  read more »

Study: Youth see Christians as judgmental, anti-gay

Majorities of young people in America describe modern-day Christianity as judgmental, hypocritical and anti-gay.  read more »

Supermodel blasts church's opposition to condom use, abortion

Gisele Bundchen is the biggest international star on the runway during Rio's Fashion Week, but she's also making headlines for criticizing the Roman Catholic church's opposition to condom use and abortion.  read more »

Survey: Many believe in divine intervention - CNN.com

When it comes to saving lives, God trumps doctors for many Americans. An eye-opening survey reveals widespread belief that divine intervention can revive dying patients.

Survey: Support for terror suspect torture differs among the faithful

The more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists, according to a new survey.

Synod: Ambivalence about modern Bible scholarship continues to swirl | National Catholic Reporter Conversation Cafe

Ambivalence about modern Biblical scholarship, which uses the same historical and literary tools to study scripture that one might apply to any other ancient text, continues to course through the Oct.  read more »

Tanzanian church deepens Anglican row over sexuality

Anglican Church in Tanzania has said it will no longer knowingly accept money from dioceses, parishes, bishops, and individuals that "condone homosexual practice or bless same-sex uni  read more »

Teen from faith-healing family dies at Ore. home

A 16-year-old boy whose parents rely on prayer instead of medical care has died after an illness marked by stomach pains and shortness of breath.  read more »

Tenn. church shooter hoped attack would spur more

An unemployed truck driver seething over liberalism told police he opened fire in a church last year because it harbored gays and multiracial families and he hoped others would follow his  read more »

Texas high court rules exorcism protected by law

A North Texas Pentecostal church should not be held liable for emotional trauma a former parishioner suffered as a youth when church members physically restrained and touched her during two exorcism a  read more »

The council cemetery where Christians are given Muslim graves

A new cemetery in Nottingham has caused all graves to be faced northeast, so the dead can look over their shoulders to Mecca, even the ones who aren't Muslim.

The New Unbelievers

More on Dawkins, Sam Harris, et.al. So, what's so new about this atheism? This time Dawkins blames it on...Bush!

The Pope and his comments on Islam

The Pope referred last week to the "Violence of Islam" which had the surprising effect of uniting warring Muslim factions.

The spirit keeps moving them

Interim pastors step in to fix churches that are in transition or having trouble with finances or governance. 'We're surgeons,' says one.

The Young Evangelical Difference

Now comes a fascinating and important pre-election survey suggesting that younger evangelicals are indeed somewhat more inclined to vote for Obama and to hold more moderate views on gay marriage -- th  read more »

Three Wise Men story a 'legend'

The leader of the world's Anglicans has described the Christmas story of the three wise men as nothing but a "legend" and says not all followers must believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.  read more »

Tiptoe through the TULIP: Must the new Baptist Calvinism divide churches, denominations?

Can Calvinist and non-Calvinist Baptists work and worship together?  read more »

Tony Blair calls for religious faith to be rescued from extremism

Tony Blair appealed for religious faith to be rescued from extremism and put at the centre of solving the world's problems, during a wide-ranging speech at Westminster Cathedral last night.Addressing  read more »

Top Evangelical Resigns After His Support of Gay Unions Draws Fire

The National Association of Evangelicals says the Rev. Richard Cizik quit Thursday as the group's representative in Washington following his statement that he backs same-sex civil unions.

Top Saudi cleric issues religious edict declaring Shiites to be infidels

A top Saudi Arabian Sunni cleric on Friday declared Shiites around the world to be infidels who should be considered worse than Jews or Christians, the latest sign of increasing sectariani  read more »

Tory snared by schools flap

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory scrambled today to downplay his policy of funding religious schools and the controversies surrounding it.
People are up in arms, and h  read more »

Traditional Anglicans want to join Catholic Church

The Vatican is considering welcoming into the Roman Catholic Church a group of traditional Anglicans who broke away from the global Anglican Communion nearly two decades ago over women's ordination an  read more »

Translation Tiff

The Bible Society of the West Indies and Wycliffe Bible Translators have sparked a national controversy by beginning to translate the Bible into patois, Jamaica's Creole language.

Troubling statistics reveal true state of Christianity in America

there are massive numbers of people in America who say they are Christians, but what they actually believe and the decisions they make would indicate that whatever else they might be, they are not Chr  read more »

Turn to church instead of weathering tough times alone

This crisis is an opportunity for the church to say to this country: You do not have to go through this alone. We can go through this together. We are here for you, and we're not going anywhere.

Twelve Women 'Ordained' as Catholic Priests

12 women in Pittsburgh were ordained as Roman Catholic priests. The Diocese of Pittsburgh, though, says that, by doing so, they excommunicated themselves.

U.K. Muslim group backs churches in gay adoption row

Britain's major Muslim group joined the Anglican and Catholic churches Thursday in backing a plea to exempt Catholic adoption services from new government legislation that bans discrimination against homosexual couples.
Once again, Islam joins forces with Christians to take a stand for religious freedom.  read more »

U.S. Anglican Church launches, will ban female, gay bishops

Hundreds of formerly Episcopal parishes are meeting this week to unify as a new national church: the Anglican Church in North America.

United Church of Christ launching gay-affirming radio campaign on Sirius OutQ

Utilizing its edgy and humorous approach to advertising, the UCC will launch a two-week, pre-Easter advertising blitz on Sirius Satellite Radio, beginning March 10  read more »

United Methodists to Debate Transgender Clergy

Resolutions to the United Methodist convention related to sexuality and gender number in the hundreds, but an increasing number deal with transgender people after the church's highest court permitted  read more »

University backs down after Christian group's legal threat

The University wanted to stop a course on sexuality (called "Pure") because it had a part that spoke against homosexuality. The Christians sued.

uua, united church of christ 'just friends,' say leaders

"The presidents of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC) spoke at a forum October 25 sponsored by the Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) in Newton, Mass. The Rev. William G. Sinkford, president of the UUA, and the Rev. John Thomas, general minister and president of the UCC, discussed ways to bridge theological and historical differences in order to work together on issues of common concern."  read more »

Vatican 'regrets' female bishops decision

The Vatican said Tuesday it regrets the decision by the Church of England's governing body to allow the ordination of women as bishops.

Vatican Adds to Deadly Sins

Abortion, substance abuse, environmental destruction, and contraception are added to the list of mortal sins.

Vatican investigates doctrine of US sisters

The Vatican has launched a doctrinal investigation into the leadership of Catholic sisters in the United States, reportedly because they have not sufficiently promoted the Vatican line on homosexualit  read more »

Vatican places state of limbo in limbo

"Theologians of the Roman Catholic Church are recommending the abolition of a special place that has existed for more than 2,000 years and enriched the world of literature and politics, as well as theology. Pope Benedict XVI himself has given his clear opinion, as an eminent theologian, that he agrees that limbo should be banished."  read more »

Venezuela priests open pro-Chavez church

A fledgling church that openly backs President Hugo Chavez is raising the ire of Venezuela's Roman Catholic hierarchy, preaching the Gospel alongside socialism.  read more »

Web Site Offers to Send Post-Rapture E-Mails to Friends 'Left Behind'

A new Web site is offering a miraculous service -- e-mails sent to loved ones left behind on Earth after you've been swept up to heaven in the Rapture.

What made Romney's big speech so Mormon

in the way he talked about religious diversity, the nation's symphony of faiths, the way religious liberty stands at the heart of the American constitutional system, and how religion b  read more »

Who is worthy to receive?

Open Communion (including non Christians) trend stirs hearts, a quiet controversy

Wiccan Accidentally Stabs Herself in Foot With Sword During Good Luck Ritual

A woman accidentally stabbed herself in the foot with a 3-foot-long sword while performing a Wiccan good luck ritual at a central Indiana cemetery.  read more »

Will Smith defends Tom Cruise's religious beliefs

"I love my God, my higher power, but it is mine and mine alone, and I create my connection, and I decide how my connection is going to be.  read more »

Will the Vatican change course on condoms?

In 1968, the Catholic Church laid down an absolute law: no condoms, no abortion, no contraceptives. That may be changing.

Woman fatally bitten by snake during church service

"A woman died after being bitten by a snake during a serpent-handling service at church, police said." Serpent handling as part of a church service is illegal in Kentucky, but East London Holiness Church decided to do it anyway.  read more »