Monthly Archives: November 2013
Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin hold ‘constructive’ talks
By Eric J. Lyman — November 25, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) despite what Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, termed a "constructive" and "cordial" meeting, there were no announced follow-up dialogues planned, and "no discussion whatsoever" of a papal visit to Russia.
The Religion News Service 2013 Holiday Gift Guide
By Lauren Markoe — November 25, 2013
(RNS) From ecumenical prayer beads to naughty Christmas sweaters, the Religion News Service Holiday Gift Guide 2013 has suggestions for everyone on your list, no matter their religion -- or lack of religion.
Across Religious and Party Lines, Steady Support for Path to Citizenship
By Robert P. Jones — November 25, 2013
Despite the ups and downs of the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform in Congress, public support for a path to citizenship for immigrants currently living in the United States illegally has remained steady throughout 2013.
PRRI’s Newest Immigration Report Receives Comprehensive Coverage in The New York Times
By MacKenzie Babb — November 25, 2013
Prominently featured both online and in The New York Times print edition today is an article by Julia Preston on PRRI's latest report, What Americans (Still) Want from Immigration Reform, released just today at the American Academy of Religion Annual Conference!
Exorcism
By Martin E. Marty — November 25, 2013
When a profound liturgical act, the prayer service, with an exorcism attached, gets seen as a “stunt,” it loses its ability to achieve its non-stunt end, of which nothing is more profound and urgent in Catholic and other Christian liturgies.
Do atheists need their own ‘church’? Sunday Assembly prompts controversy
By Kimberly Winston — November 25, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) “We can go through an entire Sunday Assembly meeting without mentioning atheism, without mentioning religion,” organizer Sanderson Jones said. “We have enough values that define us without having to do that.”
The new literary mashup: Amish romance and vampire tales
By Bob Smietana — November 25, 2013
(RNS) A growing group of bonnet and bloodsucker books combine two of today's best-selling genres: Amish romance and vampire tales.
Quote of the Day: Megachurch pastor Rick Warren
By Ron Ribiat — November 25, 2013
“God doesn’t expect me to be thankful FOR all circumstance, but IN all circumstances. There’s a huge difference. The first attitude is masochism. The second shows maturity.” — California megachurch pastor Rick Warren, writing in Time magazine about thankfulness during what he called “the worst year of my life” after his youngest son committed suicide.
Ignatius Press to release Pope Francis’ first Apostolic Exhortation
By Religion News LLC — November 25, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 25, 2013 – Pope Francis is an evangelist, someone who spreads the good news about God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Francis’ humble, compassionate style and direct, yet thoughtful, manner of speaking has won him an audience among Catholic and non-Catholic alike. In his The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium), […]
Clergy taxes * A Christian returns * Yeshiva allegations : Monday’s Religion News Roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — November 25, 2013
Clergy's tax-exempt housing declared unconstitutional. An ex-Mousketeer has returned to Christianity from Paganism. More Yeshiva University sex abuse allegations come forward.
Specific Immigration Provisions: Fines, Waiting Periods, and Increased Border Security
By Joseph Goodman — November 25, 2013
Although immigration reform policy is complex and continues to evolve, the Senate bill that passed in June (S-744) includes three key features: a 13-year waiting period before immigrants may become full citizens, an estimated $4,000 in mandatory fines and fees to be paid over the course of the citizenship process, and a $46 billion investment in increased border security. While there is consensus around some provisions, on others, views differ sharply by political affiliation.
Fresco: The art of sustainable spirituality
By Sally Morrow — November 25, 2013
Fresco artist Joy Baer explains the all-natural process of making paint with earth minerals on a porous surface.
Nearly three quarters of household charitable giving goes to organizations with religious ties, new study finds
By Religion News LLC — November 25, 2013
(Los Angeles, CA) The new report Connected to Give: Faith Communities demonstrates that nearly three quarters of all U.S. household giving—73 percent—goes to organizations with religious ties. The report, which for the first time takes into account donations to religiously identified charitable organizations alongside congregations, highlights the multidimensional nature of religion and giving in America. “It’s like putting on 3D […]
Women bishops * Blasphemous twits * Gay tornadoes: Religious Freedom Recap: Nov. 18-25
By Brian Pellot — November 25, 2013
The Church of England welcomes women bishops. Another man is arrested for tweeting about the Prophet Muhammad in Kuwait. And word is God sent tornadoes to Illinois last week because s/he was upset about the state’s new gay marriage law. Watch out, Hawaii.
A place for religion scholars in new media?
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — November 24, 2013
Can scholars of religion be effective in the era of new media?
