SIDEBAR: Evangelical alternatives to the Boy Scouts
(RNS) They have pledges. They have merit badges. And they may go camping. But they’re not the Boy Scouts.
Archives
Left behind: Families struggle to navigate life after suicide
DRAPER, Utah (RNS) Many communities and individuals still struggle with how best to support those left behind after a loved one commits suicide. Now faith-based groups are starting to help.
British church attendance stabilizes after years of decline
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The number of people attending Sunday services at Britain’s Anglican churches is continuing to drop, but church officials say there are signs that the decline is stabilizing.
A controversial Broadway play on the Virgin Mary closes Why?
NEW YORK (RNS) A Tony-nominated play with a controversial take on the Virgin Mary reflecting on her life closed far earlier than planned. Now the question is: Why? After all, biblically themed shows are all the rage on television and in the movies. Was “The Testament of Mary” too controversial – or not controversial enough?
Pentagon refutes reports of anti-Christian policies
(RNS) Christian conservatives have grown increasingly alarmed over reports that the Pentagon has adopted new policies aimed at disciplining or even court-martialing those who share their faith. But the Department of Defense on Thursday said evangelization is still permitted.
Wide majorities of most U.K. faiths support assisted suicide
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) More than seven in 10 members of the Church of England and 56 percent of Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom support assisted suicide for the terminally ill, according to a new poll.
Survivors of Magdalene laundries still waiting for an apology
BELFAST, Northern Ireland (RNS) Teresa Bell was one of thousands of young girls who were sent to the Magdalene workhouses run by Roman Catholic nuns when she got pregnant at age 16. She worked long hours washing clothes with no pay and little rest; after giving birth, her daughter was put in an orphanage.
Americans: Marijuana isn’t sinful but not sure it should be legal
WASHINGTON (RNS) American views on marijuana are evolving much like their views on gay marriage, with many ambivalent but growing numbers in favor of legalization.
Black pastors: Gun violence isn’t just a problem for white suburbs
WASHINGTON (RNS) Black clergy have launched a new coalition to fight gun violence, saying they are undeterred by the recent failure of legislation on Capitol Hill.
Former National Council of Churches leader Bob Edgar dead at 69
(RNS) The Rev. Bob Edgar, a Democratic congressman and United Methodist minister who went on to lead the National Council of Churches through a painful series of restructuring cuts, died suddenly Tuesday at age 69.
