Obama’s contraception compromise falls flat with bishops, GOP

By Cathy Lynn Grossman and Richard Wolf / USA TODAY

While challenges to President Obama's contraception rule could take the form of legal and legislative assaults, the White House and the Obama re-election campaign are comfortable with the revised rule, believing most Americans -- and particularly most women -- are on their side.
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Court says pharmacists can’t be forced to dispense morning-after pill

Lauren Markoe | Feb 22, 2012

(RNS) A federal court on Wednesday (Feb. 23) struck down a Washington state law that requires pharmacists to dispense the morning-after pill even if it violates their religious beliefs. By Lauren Markoe.
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Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

Amanda Greene | Feb 22, 2012

WILMINGTON, N.C. (RNS) Here in the only Southern state that does not have a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, both sides are gearing up for a fight at the ballot box on May 8. By Amanda Greene.
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Ala. bill would move religion classes off campus

Greg Garrison | Feb 22, 2012

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) A proposed Alabama law would allow churches or ministries to teach a religion class to public school students off campus, if parents and school boards give permission and the churches provide transportation and other expenses. By Greg Garrison.
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Rick Santorum defends views on Obama’s theology

Susan Page / USA Today | Feb 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (RNS) Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum, leading the GOP field in national polls, is defending his views questioning prenatal testing and President Obama's "theology." By Susan Page.
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President Obama’s five most personal religious statements

Daniel Burke | Feb 21, 2012

In recent days, GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum has criticized President Obama for having a ``phony theology'' not based on the Bible. Here's a sample of five of Obama's most personal statements on Christianity since becoming president. By Daniel Burke.
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N.J. lawmakers approve gay marriage, but veto looms

Maryanne Spoto | Feb 17, 2012

NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) Even as Gov. Chris Christie's threat of a "swift" veto looms, gay rights activists are celebrating after the state Assembly voted on Thursday (Feb. 16) on a bill to legalize same sex marriage in New Jersey. By Maryanne Spoto.
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British High Court rules against prayer at town meetings

Al Webb | Feb 16, 2012

LONDON (RNS) A British High Court justice has triggered dismay and anger across England and Wales with a decision that declares prayers at town hall meetings are against the law. By Al Webb.
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Sparks fly as House GOP blasts contraception mandate

Lauren Markoe | Feb 16, 2012

WASHINGTON (RNS) A House committee holds hearings Thursday that will find the Obama administration guilty of trampling on religious freedom by requiring employers to provide insurance that includes contraception coverage. By Lauren Markoe.
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Thursday’s Religion Roundup: A bishop walks into a bar…

David Gibson | Feb 16, 2012

No joke, he was asked to leave. And he was sober. But a nun is going to the Oscars. Jesuits want bishops to tone down the "war on religion" chatter. China may invite religious freedom envoy. And Richard Dawkins needs to Google Darwin.
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COMMENTARY: Customer service 101

Tom Ehrich | Feb 14, 2012

(RNS) Too many providers -- churches, retailers, even politicians -- come across as having a low opinion of their constituents. Voters know this recession better than their politicians, and believers seem to take their faith more seriously than the institutions that seek to enroll them as members. By Tom Ehrich.
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