Monthly Archives: April 2013

Quote of the Day: ESPN sportscaster Chris Broussard

By Ron Ribiat — April 30, 2013

“If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be — not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be — I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ. So I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don’t think the Bible […]

15 countries cited for religious freedom violations

By Lauren Markoe — April 30, 2013

WASHINGTON (RNS) Fifteen countries make the list of most egregious violators of religious liberty, compiled by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. But some of the most alarming oppression is committed by entities that can hardly be called countries.

Columbia Faith & Values twice honored for Joplin mosque burning report

By Tiffany McCallen — April 30, 2013

Radio Television Digital News Association, Missouri Broadcasters Association recognize Editor Kellie Kotraba Columbia, Mo., April 30, 2013— Mid-Missouri’s leading source for comprehensive faith news coverage — Columbia Faith & Values (ColumbiaFAVS.com) — was recently honored twice for an audio report about a Joplin, Mo., mosque that burned. The report was aired through ColumbiaFAVS’ local partner, NPR affiliate KBIA […]

Where should religious people stand on homeschooling?

By Jonathan Merritt — April 30, 2013

A national debate on homeschooling may be brewing, and religious people need to decide where they stand.

Poll: U.S. Muslims more moderate than Muslims worldwide

By Omar Sacirbey — April 30, 2013

(RNS) Muslims in America are much less inclined to support suicide bombing than Muslims abroad, and are more likely to believe that people of other faiths can attain eternal life in heaven, according to a new survey.

N.J. Catholics outraged over accused priest’s access to children

By Mark Mueller — April 30, 2013

(RNS) Newark Archbishop John J. Myers is facing fierce criticism for his handling of a priest who attended youth retreats and heard confessions from minors in defiance of a court-ordered lifetime ban on ministry to children.

Religious leaders push for kidnapped bishops’ release

By Michele Chabin — April 30, 2013

JERUSALEM (RNS) Religious leaders are pressing for the release of two Orthodox bishops who were kidnapped outside war-torn Aleppo, Syria, saying their plight reflects the insecurity of Syria's Christian population.

New Pew Research Study Examines Social and Political Attitudes of Muslims Worldwide

By Religion News LLC — April 30, 2013

Washington, D.C. — A new Pew Research Center survey of Muslims around the globe finds that most adherents of the world’s second-largest religion are deeply committed to their faith and want its teachings to shape not only their personal lives but also their societies and politics. In all but a handful of the 39 countries surveyed, a majority […]

SCOTUS Aligns With American Public Opinion on Alabama Immigration Law

By Juhem Navarro-Rivera — April 30, 2013

By refusing to hear a case on Alabama's immigration law and letting the lower court decision stand, the Supreme Court’s decision more closely aligns with public preferences for federally-based solutions to immigration.

Modern hymn writers revive a lost musical art

By Bob Smietana — April 30, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) Most songwriters in Nashville want to get their songs on the radio. Keith and Kristyn Getty hope their songs end up in dusty old hymnbooks.

Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup: DuBois’ DC * Palin Alumna * Dawkins Documentary

By Lauren Markoe — April 30, 2013

God lives in D.C., says Joshua DuBois. A former Palin staffer gets a high profile job with the U.S. bishops. And Richard Dawkins stars in "The Unbelievers."

COMMENTARY: President Obama, Mourner in Chief

By Tom Ehrich — April 30, 2013

(RNS) The searing experience of being an effective "Mourner in Chief" might stir President Obama's appetite for political battle. I certainly hope so. Because the people need an advocate.

I’m Not an Apostate Mormon, Just a Garden-Variety Heretic

By Jana Riess — April 30, 2013

Being a heretic sounds exciting and quite cutting-edge, but the sad reality for us heretics is that we are rather dull creatures. Whatever we’re pushing for right now, whether it’s heliocentrism or woman suffrage or the end of slavery, is likely to be old hat in just a few generations.

What is to be done about Archbishop Myers?

By Mark Silk — April 30, 2013

A week after John J. Myers was installed as archbishop of Newark in October of 2001, a priest of the archdiocese named Michael Fugee was indicted for groping a 14-year-old boy the previous year.

Momentum builds for positive investment in Middle East peace