Alabama
Alabama’s IVF protection law redefines embryonic personhood
By Mark Silk — March 13, 2024
(RNS) — A process that is taking place across the country.
What is a frozen embryo worth? Alabama’s IVF case reflects bigger questions over grieving and wrongful death laws
By Katherine Drabiak — March 11, 2024
(The Conversation) — Alabama’s case began when three couples sued an IVF clinic where their frozen embryos had accidentally been dropped.
Scripture-quoting Alabama judge in IVF case bridges natural law and Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins and Paul O'Donnell — March 9, 2024
(RNS) — But those who know Tom Parker say his IVF concurring opinion was not simply a heartfelt expression of faith, but part of a strategy the chief justice has used to create legal precedent for conservative causes.
New survey finds pockets of support for Christian nationalism across the country
By Jack Jenkins — February 28, 2024
(RNS) — The survey found support for Christian nationalism concentrated in two religious groups: white evangelical Protestants and Hispanic Protestants.
The Alabama ruling on embryos claimed to be Christian. Christians aren’t so sure.
By Jack Jenkins — February 27, 2024
(RNS) — Theological opinions on IVF, let alone political ones, are difficult to ascertain and are far from universal across denominations.
Alabama IVF decision is bad law with religious filigree
By Mark Silk — February 26, 2024
(RNS) — Being a religious conservative doesn't necessarily make you a theocrat.
Lawsuit: Priest says first gas execution in US poses threat to religious liberty
By Kathryn Post — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — The Rev. Jeff Hood, spiritual adviser to Kenneth Smith, argued the restrictions imposed during the execution would violate Hood’s right to the free exercise of religion.
Esau McCaulley remembers his past, dreams of the Promised Land in new book
By Bob Smietana — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — In a vulnerable and inspiring new book due out in September, the New Testament scholar and writer recounts the story of his father's fall from grace and his long journey home.
Sheriff seeking phone records between Alabama priest and 18-year-old woman who fled to Europe
By Associated Press — August 23, 2023
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Alex Crow, a Catholic priest in south Alabama, left the country in late July with the 18-year-old woman, authorities in south Alabama said.
In tornado-ravaged Selma, prayers of thanks
By Kim Chandler — January 18, 2023
SELMA, Ala. (AP) — The Sunday after a tornado devastated much of the historic city of Selma, church congregations raised up prayers of gratitude for lives spared and gave prayers of comfort for lives lost elsewhere to the storm.
As states ban abortion, a new spotlight on an old battle over sex education
By Riley Farrell — July 14, 2022
(RNS) — Half of the states set to ban abortion have no mandate that schools teach sex education. Only four require curricula to address contraception.
A devout Catholic, she opposed abortion. Now she performs them.
By Yonat Shimron — July 5, 2022
(RNS) — Like many Catholics, Dr. Jennifer Villavicencio prioritized the needs of the fetus. A trip to an abortion clinic forced her to consider the needs of the woman.
Funerals announced for 3 killed at Alabama church dinner
By Associated Press — June 21, 2022
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Services for Walter Bartlett Rainey, Sarah Sharon Yeager and Jane Pounds will take place at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where the three church members were fatally shot Thursday night.
Gunman kills 3 seniors over potluck dinner at Alabama church
By Kim Chandler and Jay Reeves — June 17, 2022
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Emergency dispatchers got a call at around 6:20 p.m. reporting an active shooter at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in the Birmingham suburb of Vestavia Hills, said Police Capt. Shane Ware.
Frank Barker, founding pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, is dead at 89
By Alejandra Molina — December 28, 2021
(RNS) — Barker, who was senior pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham for 39 years, was a key figure in the launching of the conservative Presbyterian Church in America.
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