Monthly Archives: October 2012
Jewish and Christian groups at impasse over U.S. aid to Israel
WASHINGTON (RNS) An established interfaith group is in danger of disintegrating as major American Jewish groups and prominent mainline Protestant churches differ over U.S. aid for Israel -- a long-standing argument that the group was established, in part, to diffuse. By Lauren Markoe.
Searching for the real Martin Luther
(RNS) Finding and portraying the "real" Martin Luther on film has not been a task for the faint of heart. Yet wherever Protestants (and Catholics) gather and wherever the political history of Europe is told, the ghost of Martin Luther is present and cannot be avoided. By David Steinmetz.
As Mitt Romney moves to the middle, anti-abortion activists try to cover his right flank
(RNS) As Mitt Romney has moved to the center in a successful effort to catch President Barack Obama, he has also muted -- or even muddied -- his previous opposition to abortion rights, a shift that has left some conservatives aghast. But longtime anti-abortion activists are telling their followers to "chill out." By David Gibson.
Vatican opens new exhibit of papal cars
VATICAN CITY (RNS) From horse-drawn carriages to electric cars, a new permanent exhibition at the Vatican Museums chronicles the history of papal transport, including the car Pope John Paul II was riding in when he was shot in 1981. By Alessandro Speciale.
Wednesday Religion News Roundup: Billy Graham scrubs Mormon “cult” reference; Nuns v. Tea Party; Dinesh D’Souza
Billy Graham scrubs Mormon "cult" reference from website. Nuns on the Bus meet demonstators. Dinesh D'Souza's under investigation.
Filmmaker asks whether hell is real, and who goes there
(RNS) The questions posed by the new film "Hellbound?'' -- does hell exist and if so, who goes there? -- are no longer so anxiety-producing for filmmaker Kevin Miller. His faith journey has taken him to embrace a gentler view of hell that isn't a place of eternal torment, and holds that all souls will be saved. By Lauren Markoe.
Nuns on the Bus meet Tea Party protests in Ohio
(RNS) The "Nuns on the Bus" have been a consistently popular and effective faith-based tool for religious progressives this campaign season. But on Monday a group of demonstrators apparently organized by a local Tea Party affiliate met the nuns at a stop in Marietta, Ohio, and provided a far different welcome than the sisters usually receive.
Survey: Young evangelicals at odds with their political parties
WASHINGTON (RNS) A large majority of young evangelicals see a conflict between their faith and their political party – but Democrats grapple with this disconnect much more than Republicans, according to a new survey. By Lauren Markoe.
After Romney meeting, Billy Graham website scrubs Mormon ‘cult’ reference
(RNS) The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed language labeling Mormonism a “cult” from its website after the famed evangelist met with Mitt Romney last week and pledged to help the GOP presidential nominee’s campaign. By Daniel Burke.
COMMENTARY: Learning to take it slow
(RNS) Even now, a week after surgery, I find my mind drifting off. I haven't always taken enough time to heal. I moved on too soon, when my head, in effect, was still woozy. So this time I am taking time. No rushing back to work, no making important decisions, no feeling impatient to have my wits fully about me. By Tom Ehrich.
New Native American saint Kateri Tekakwitha stirs mixed emotions
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (RNS) Kateri Tekakwitha on Sunday was declared the first Native American saint, and while some see her story as an affirmation of Native Americans' place in the Catholic Church, others view it as the result of the excesses and arrogance of colonialism. By Renee K. Gadoua.
Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup: Downton Abbey, Evangelical birth control and a new American Catholic Church?
Downton Abbey tackles anti-Catholicism. A coalition of evangelicals pushes for access to birth control. And here's what happens in the American National Catholic Church.
After a year of exile, anti-abortion priest Frank Pavone is back with eyes set on Obama, bishops
NEW YORK (RNS) A year ago, the Rev. Frank Pavone was facing an existential crisis. Confined to a convent in Texas, the longtime anti-abortion activist was fighting accusations of financial mismanagement. Now Pavone is back with a new mission: defeating Barack Obama and making Priests for Life answerable only to Rome. By David Gibson.
Bhutan bans religious activities ahead of elections
NEW DELHI (RNS) Leaders in Bhutan have announced a nearly six-month ban on all public religious activities ahead of the upcoming election, citing the Buddhist nation's constitution, which says "religion shall remain above politics.'' By Vishal Arora.
Evangelical coalition rallies behind family planning
WASHINGTON (RNS) A coalition of evangelicals is calling on fellow Christians who oppose abortion to support family planning across the globe. By Adelle M. Banks.