conservatives
America’s Christian conservatives ponder a ‘Babylonian exile’ (ANALYSIS)
By David Gibson — August 18, 2014
(RNS) Feeling increasingly alienated and even persecuted, some Christians are adopting a favorite image from Scripture -- that of the Babylonian captivity.
COMMENTARY: Conservatives may hold the key to ending the death penalty
By Kirsten Powers — June 27, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Anti-capital punishment activists say the time is ripe for promoting a culture of life.
ANALYSIS: Conservatives squawk over pope’s tweet on inequality
By David Gibson — April 29, 2014
(RNS) A three-word tweet from Pope Francis -- in Latin -- about inequality left some conservatives dazed and confused over Catholic teachings on economics, or rather Pope Francis' interpretation of them.
ANALYSIS: Can Pope Francis help ‘reset’ frayed ties between Obama and the Catholic bishops?
By David Gibson — March 24, 2014
(RNS) The potential for a robust alliance between the White House and the nation's largest church fizzled almost from the start of Obama’s candidacy in 2007, and a relationship that started badly went downhill when he was elected.
ANALYSIS: The surprising afterlife of Pope Benedict XVI
By David Gibson — February 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) When Pope Benedict XVI officially left the Vatican in a helicopter a year ago this week (Feb. 28), becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, many in his conservative fan base were aghast, even angry. He has betrayed us, said those who thought Benedict’s papacy would be the final triumph […]
ANALYSIS: Yes, the pope is still Catholic, despite what you heard
By David Gibson — January 7, 2014
(RNS) The Vatican once again has had to dispel media reports that went well beyond what Pope Francis actually said. With this pope, it probably won't be the last time.
ANALYSIS: Pope and Change: What Pope Francis can learn from President Obama
By David Gibson — December 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis’ trajectory from near anonymity to the heights of power is remarkably similar to that of President Obama's. But can the pontiff avoid the pitfalls that have dogged the president?
ANALYSIS: Pope Francis stuns the church. But will it have a lasting effect?
By David Gibson — September 19, 2013
(RNS) More than detailing a list of reforms or policy change he hopes to make, Pope Francis is sketching out a pastoral vision for the church. He'll need bishops, priests and seminarians who share his views, and the type of change he envisions will take a generation or more.
Pope Francis is unsettling – and dividing – the Catholic right
By David Gibson — August 6, 2013
(RNS) Many Catholic conservatives argue that Pope Francis doesn’t actually mean what the media and public think he means, and say the pope’s honeymoon will get a cold shower when liberals see that the new pope is just as orthodox as his predecessors.
Donations recover at controversial Catholic charity
By David Gibson — June 28, 2013
(RNS) Fundraising for the flagship anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops, which has come under intense fire from conservatives and anti-abortion groups, is slowly recovering and even growing slightly after being battered by the recession and sharp attacks on its mission.
Senior cardinal says Francis will bring new life to Vatican II
By Alessandro Speciale — April 12, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis has ushered in a new phase in the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, shifting the focus of the Catholic Church from the concerns of the industrialized North to the “problems of the Southern hemisphere."
ANALYSIS: How long will the pope’s honeymoon last?
By David Gibson — March 22, 2013
(RNS) Since the moment of his election on March 13, Pope Francis has been warmly embraced by his own flock and even the media. But some constituencies in the church are decidedly cautious or even unhappy with Francis, and their grumbling may portend future troubles for the pope.
Parliament bars Church of England from hosting gay weddings
By Trevor Grundy — December 11, 2012
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The British government unveiled a proposal on Tuesday (Dec. 11) that excludes the Church of England and the Church in Wales from planned legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in churches. By Trevor Grundy.
Does the contraception mandate really kill religious freedom?
By David Gibson — July 31, 2012
(RNS) The Obama administration's policy requiring most employers to provide free birth control coverage in their health insurance policies takes effect on Wednesday -- a deadline that has sparked apocalyptic warnings from conservatives. By David Gibson.
Evangelicals press Congress on immigration
By Chris Lisee — June 12, 2012
WASHINGTON (RNS) Evangelical activists are pressing Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform plan -- a tricky election-year issue that conservatives' GOP allies have been reluctant to take up. By Chris Lisee.
