Holy Relics

Three hundred and fifty years ago today, religious freedom was born on this continent. read more…

A former White House advisor analyzes Bush’s unpopular stand on stem cells. read more…

A major campaign to strictly limit abortion — if not effectively prohibit the procedure — could polarize Missouri’s electorate next year in this historically critical battleground state. read more…

Bhutto’s death has deprived Pakistan’s embattled president, Pervez Musharraf, of his strongest potential ally in the battle against the rising tide of radical Islam in this nation of more than 160 million people. read more…

With the revival, albeit tentative, of the Mideast peace process, Christmas in Bethlehem this year is more festive. Tourism is expected to double. At the same time, Christians continue to emigrate from the West Bank. The owner of a Christian radio station predicts that in 15 years, there won’t be one Christian left in Bethlehem.

With the revival, albeit tentative, of the Mideast peace process, Christmas in Bethlehem this year is more festive. Tourism is expected to double. At the same time, Christians continue to emigrate from the West Bank. The owner of a Christian radio station predicts that in 15 years, there won’t be one Christian left in Bethlehem.

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Tags: hebrew, wiccan, christianity, Hindu

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Every year, Mexican Catholics celebrate the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The holiday commemorates the day the Virgin Mary performed a miracle after appearing before a Mexican peasant in 1531. On Wednesday, a church in Harrisonburg, Va. hosted the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a vibrant celebration of Catholic tradition and Mexican culture. The Blessed Sacrament Church is working to integrate its English- and Spanish-speaking communities.

Every year, Mexican Catholics celebrate the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The holiday commemorates the day the Virgin Mary performed a miracle after appearing before a Mexican peasant in 1531. On Wednesday, a church in Harrisonburg, Va. hosted the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a vibrant celebration of Catholic tradition and Mexican culture. The Blessed Sacrament Church is working to integrate its English- and Spanish-speaking communities.

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Evangelical Iowans talk about the Republican presidential contest and the upcoming caucuses. They say no one contender seems to deliver on the entire package of faith and religious values.

Evangelical Iowans talk about the Republican presidential contest and the upcoming caucuses. They say no one contender seems to deliver on the entire package of faith and religious values.

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When high school freshman Dawn Sherman learned that Illinois had a new law requiring public schools to provide a moment of silence each day for “reflection and student prayer,” she was outraged. read more…

Largely unknown Christian leaders prove powerful in Iowa. read more…

While the holidays are a time of joy for many, they’re a source of depression and anxiety for others. A growing number of churches are acknowledging this and holding special services called “Blue Christmas” to help people cope.

While the holidays are a time of joy for many, they’re a source of depression and anxiety for others. A growing number of churches are acknowledging this and holding special services called “Blue Christmas” to help people cope.

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Tags: christianity, wiccan, religious products, Buddist

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Opinion: Divine Evolution
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. Or not. And so the debate on origins continues.
Source: pewforum.org

Fresno Church Considers Split from Episcopals
The Diocese of San Joaquin says the Episcopal Church has abandoned the Christian faith by ordaining female and gay clergy, and by supporting same-sex unions, and that recent efforts by the national church to reach out to conservatives are not enough.

The Diocese of San Joaquin says the Episcopal Church has abandoned the Christian faith by ordaining female and gay clergy, and by supporting same-sex unions, and that recent efforts by the national church to reach out to conservatives are not enough.

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Source: www.npr.org

Religious Groups Question Direction of ‘Compass’
The Golden Compass is now pointed at the big screen — an epic based on the first book of novelist Philip Pullman’s trilogy. But a campaign is being waged against the movie because of its provocative take on religion.

The Golden Compass is now pointed at the big screen — an epic based on the first book of novelist Philip Pullman’s trilogy. But a campaign is being waged against the movie because of its provocative take on religion.

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Source: www.npr.org

Can Religion Improve Peace Prospects in the Middle East?
A council of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian leaders devised a six-point plan to help bring about reconciliation.
Source: pewforum.org

Episcopal Diocese Secedes over Role of Gays
An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

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Source: www.npr.org

In N.H. Churches, Candidates Find a Different Breed of Evangelical
In the dimly lit sanctuary of a large brick church at the north end of Main Street, more than 100 people move to light Christian rock music.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, christianity, hebrew, religious artifacts

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U.N. Adopts Death Penalty Moratorium
The General Assembly adopted a moratorium on the death penalty Tuesday, overcoming opposition from the United States, China and others that argued each nation should be able to choose for itself how to combat crime.
Source: pewforum.org

U.S. Executions At a 13-Year Low
Experts say litigation over lethal injection clearly had a significant effect on the death penalty this year.
Source: pewforum.org

Colorado Police Identify 24-Year-Old Church Shooter
Police say Matthew Murray, 24, killed four people during two shootings Sunday. He was shot by a security guard after he opened fire on a Colorado Springs church. Witnesses at the missionary training center where he opened fire earlier said he had asked to stay the night but was refused.

Police say Matthew Murray, 24, killed four people during two shootings Sunday. He was shot by a security guard after he opened fire on a Colorado Springs church. Witnesses at the missionary training center where he opened fire earlier said he had asked to stay the night but was refused.

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Source: www.npr.org

Monastery of the Angels in Los Angeles
NPR’s Scott Simon visits the Monastery of the Angels in Hollywood, where 22 cloistered nuns live. We talk to sister Mary Dominic about her life and faith.

NPR’s Scott Simon visits the Monastery of the Angels in Hollywood, where 22 cloistered nuns live. We talk to sister Mary Dominic about her life and faith.

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Source: www.npr.org

Episcopal Diocese Secedes over Role of Gays
An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

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Source: www.npr.org

Clergy Take On Mortgage Mess
At the Quail Lakes Baptist Church in Stockton, California, the parishioners at weekly prayer group meetings seek spiritual support for everything from health issues to marital problems to job losses.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, holy relics, Islam, metaphysics

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Christian conservatives are a key voting block for the GOP, but many Republican candidates have personal profiles or past policy positions that raise red flags for the religious right. Pastor Mike Rose of Des Moines, Iowa, says he’s among those having a hard time backing any GOP presidential contender.

Christian conservatives are a key voting block for the GOP, but many Republican candidates have personal profiles or past policy positions that raise red flags for the religious right. Pastor Mike Rose of Des Moines, Iowa, says he’s among those having a hard time backing any GOP presidential contender.

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As Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke Thursday about his faith, voters in New Hampshire listened with interest.

As Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke Thursday about his faith, voters in New Hampshire listened with interest.

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NPR’s Scott Simon visits the Monastery of the Angels in Hollywood, where 22 cloistered nuns live. We talk to sister Mary Dominic about her life and faith.

NPR’s Scott Simon visits the Monastery of the Angels in Hollywood, where 22 cloistered nuns live. We talk to sister Mary Dominic about her life and faith.

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It doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight, you can’t get legally married at Lyndale United Church of Christ. read more…

New Jersey on Thursday took a major step toward becoming the first state since 1965 to ban executions as the state Assembly voted to abolish the death penalty in favor of life without parole. read more…

Evangelical Iowans talk about the Republican presidential contest and the upcoming caucuses. They say no one contender seems to deliver on the entire package of faith and religious values.

Evangelical Iowans talk about the Republican presidential contest and the upcoming caucuses. They say no one contender seems to deliver on the entire package of faith and religious values.

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Tags: religious artifacts, metaphysics, wiccan, Hindu

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For abortion opponents, getting a grand jury to investigate Planned Parenthood of Overland Park was relatively easy. read more…

Anti-abortion Democrats in Congress this year joined abortion rights supporters to pass a foreign aid spending bill that they all said would reduce abortions in poor countries. read more…

Police say Matthew Murray, 24, killed four people during two shootings Sunday. He was shot by a security guard after he opened fire on a Colorado Springs church. Witnesses at the missionary training center where he opened fire earlier said he had asked to stay the night but was refused.

Police say Matthew Murray, 24, killed four people during two shootings Sunday. He was shot by a security guard after he opened fire on a Colorado Springs church. Witnesses at the missionary training center where he opened fire earlier said he had asked to stay the night but was refused.

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An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

An Episcopal diocese in central California voted Saturday to split with the national church over disagreements about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. David Steinmetz, professor of the History of Christianity at Duke University, talks about the rift.

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The Golden Compass is now pointed at the big screen — an epic based on the first book of novelist Philip Pullman’s trilogy. But a campaign is being waged against the movie because of its provocative take on religion.

The Golden Compass is now pointed at the big screen — an epic based on the first book of novelist Philip Pullman’s trilogy. But a campaign is being waged against the movie because of its provocative take on religion.

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Tags: Hindu, holy relics, christianity, metaphysics

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Opinion: Huckabee Plays the Religion Card
When Mitt Romney’s father ran for the presidency 40 years ago, his Mormonism was not an issue.
Source: pewforum.org

Romney: Church to Guide Him, Not the Presidency
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney says he would separate the affairs of government from any one religion if he is elected — but that does not mean keeping God out of government altogether.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney says he would separate the affairs of government from any one religion if he is elected — but that does not mean keeping God out of government altogether.

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Source: www.npr.org

Hanukkah Is in the Holiday Season, Too
A writer describes her childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York where no one she knew celebrated Christmas, and her young adult years in Israel, where Hanukkah is a national holiday. Today she throws huge Hanukkah parties.

A writer describes her childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York where no one she knew celebrated Christmas, and her young adult years in Israel, where Hanukkah is a national holiday. Today she throws huge Hanukkah parties.

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Source: www.npr.org

Activists, Pastors in Iowa Question Impact of Romney Speech
Most conservative Christian political activists and pastors who studied Mitt Romney’s speech on Thursday addressing his Mormon faith agree it was something he had to do.
Source: pewforum.org

Iraqi Christians Return to Church
A handful of Christians in one of Baghdad’s most hotly contested neighborhoods cautiously attended services for the first Sunday of Advent. Iraq’s Chaldean Christians used to number around 800,000, but now there are few left.

A handful of Christians in one of Baghdad’s most hotly contested neighborhoods cautiously attended services for the first Sunday of Advent. Iraq’s Chaldean Christians used to number around 800,000, but now there are few left.

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Source: www.npr.org

Romney Speech May Quiet Some Critics, But Not All
Mitt Romney said Thursday (Dec. 6) that he’s running for president as an American, not a Mormon, and conceded that if his religious beliefs cost him the Oval Office, then “so be it.”
Source: pewforum.org

Huckabee Vs. Romney Is a Matter of Faith for Some
The Rev. Scott Weldon of Marshfield, Mo., has been way out in front of the Mike Huckabee surge that pushed the former Arkansas governor past Mitt Romney in the Iowa polls last weekend.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: Islam, hebrew, Buddist, christianity

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Mitt Romney decided to deliver a major speech about his religious faith after concluding attention to his Mormonism would only intensify in potentially unflattering ways in the crucial weeks ahead. But even some of his top aides see the speech as a wildly unpredictable gamble. read more…

The latest flap: Radio-show host says Muslims should be deported, sparking a backlash. read more…

British schoolteacher Gillian Gibbons appeared in court Thursday in Sudan, where she has been charged with insulting Islam. Fellow teachers say Gibbons made an innocent mistake when she let her students name a teddy bear Muhammad.

British schoolteacher Gillian Gibbons appeared in court Thursday in Sudan, where she has been charged with insulting Islam. Fellow teachers say Gibbons made an innocent mistake when she let her students name a teddy bear Muhammad.

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It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

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The national culture war over how teachers should educate children has raged for nearly two years in Upper St. Clair. read more…

A writer describes her childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York where no one she knew celebrated Christmas, and her young adult years in Israel, where Hanukkah is a national holiday. Today she throws huge Hanukkah parties.

A writer describes her childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York where no one she knew celebrated Christmas, and her young adult years in Israel, where Hanukkah is a national holiday. Today she throws huge Hanukkah parties.

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Tags: wiccan, hebrew, Hindu, holy relics

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