Daily Archives: February 12, 2013
Waning influence of faith leaders presents historic opportunity
By Jonathan Merritt — February 12, 2013
Much has been made of the decline of the institutional church in the 21st century. In 1975, for example, 68 percent of Americans said they had a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in the church / organized religion. That number has plummeted to 44 percent. Though many Americans still consider themselves “spiritual,” fewer […]
Pope’s resignation lands Vatican in uncharted territory
By Alessandro Speciale — February 12, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Still reeling from Monday's announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will become the first pope in 600 years to resign, the Vatican is attempting to return to normal, with many questions about the future but few answers.
Celebrities recall brushes with Graham in ‘Billy & Me’
By Adelle M. Banks — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Evangelist Billy Graham has rubbed elbows with celebrities ranging from presidents to journalists to musicians. In “Billy Graham & Me,” a new book in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul’’ franchise that was released Tuesday, 101 people who have met Graham on the public stage share their private memories of the 94-year-old preacher.
Catholic Schools
By Martin E. Marty — February 12, 2013
What are we going to do with headlines referring to the crisis in American Catholic education?
Pope Benedict’s American fan club full of evangelicals
By Daniel Burke — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Not all Catholics appreciated Pope Benedict XVI's staunch defense of Christian orthodoxy, traditional marriage and life from conception to natural death. But American evangelicals sure did.
Father Knows Best: Do feelings and intuition trump revelation?
By Martin Elfert — February 12, 2013
Moments of revelation — those instances in which God speaks to an individual or to a community — tend to be subtle. God prefers to whisper rather than to shout.
An American pope? Eyes turn to New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan
By David Gibson — February 12, 2013
NEW YORK (RNS) Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s extraordinary visibility and popularity are being cited as factors that could make him the first American with a realistic shot at being elected pope. But will any of the factors that make Dolan a contender actually help him with the 117 other voting cardinals?
Pope Benedict XVI leaves mixed legacy on clergy sexual abuse
By Emma Beck — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has at times publicly addressed the issue and even met with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But victims' advocates remain skeptical and critical over his handling of the matter, particularly the failure to punish bishops who protected abusers.
Health experts laud pope’s decision to step down
By Janice Lloyd — February 12, 2013
RNS) Health experts on aging admired Pope Benedict XVI 's decision to resign, citing visible clues about his declining health and respecting his honesty about an inability to fulfill responsibilities as he grows older.
COMMENTARY: Pope Benedict XVI’s missing mea culpa
By Tom Ehrich — February 12, 2013
How will Pope Benedict XVI be remembered? Hard to say. My guess: as a placeholder. I hope the next pope does what Jesus did: hearing the beggar's cries and, against his disciples' wishes, inviting the beggar closer and then healing him.
On Monday, My Rabbi Was Arrested
By Mark Silk — February 12, 2013
That would Rabbi Debra Cantor, who presides over B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom in Bloomfield, Connecticut. She was participating in the monthly gathering of Women at the Wall (WOW), an organization dedicated to the proposition that adult Jewish women have the right to wear prayer shawls and read from the Torah (a liturgical practice traditionally reserved to adult Jewish men) at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Quote of the Day: New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan
By Ron Ribiat — February 12, 2013
“No. Crazy people cannot enter the conclave.” — New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, asked by “Today Show” host Matt Lauer if he could vote for himself for pope in the upcoming papal conclave.
Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup: Vatican Lightning * Zen Abuse * Jewish Porn Star
By Lauren Markoe — February 12, 2013
On the day the pope announces his resignation, lightning literally strikes St. Peter's. A prominent Zen teacher is accused of molesting students. A Jewish porn star gets his big break.
A message with the six?
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — February 12, 2013
Pope Benedict decided a year ago to step down but added 6 cardinals in November. What message was he sending?
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