American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues. Four in five U.S. Protestant churchgoers believe a pastor must address current issues to be doing their job, according to a Lifeway Research study. Only 16% disagree and 4% aren’t sure.
Read MoreFew pastors endorse political candidates outside their role at church. Even fewer endorse during a church service. Most Americans like it that way, but they’re growing more supportive of churches jumping into the political fray. Lifeway Research studies of U.S. Protestant pastors and Americans found little practice or support for political endorsements from clergy and churches.
Read MoreSpearheading one of a growing number of attempts among evangelicals to empower clergy and laypeople to reframe the political divide, the creators of “The After Party” hope to foster conversations that will not only promote healing but enable those engaged to participate in public life in ways that are constructive, rather than chronically divisive.
Read MoreOver 20 political parties, including Muslim and Christian ones, joined in their objection to the announced results of South Africa’s national elections held last week, citing a myriad of voting irregularities. According to them, the identified irregularities were serious widespread systemic deficiencies and undermined votes cast by millions of South Africans. The parties said they require a recount of votes, while others requested a reelection.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Assuming it’s game on for an inevitable rerun of Trump vs. Biden, with a predicted narrow victory margin, what religious dynamics will be playing out?
Read MoreThe opening on Monday of a Hindu temple — a consecration ceremony considered a crowning moment for Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist movement — took place just months before the prime minister seeks to win a third term. The opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, a temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque, is located in the Indian city of Ayodhya.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the religion takeaways from this week’s Election Day and the GOP presidential debate. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Whether it’s on issues like abortion or same-sex marriage, transgenderism and school curriculums, faith voters will play their part. If the recent past is any guide, Catholics will play an outsized role in the outcomes depending on the state, especially in the so-called swing states.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Pope Francis, along with the European Union and Italy’s left-wing voters, face a major headache since a coalition of right-wing parties could emerge victorious in Italy’s elections. The parties have been at odds with the Vatican over immigration. Can Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna make the difference this summer?
Read MoreAs thousands rallied in Washington to support President Donald Trump’s unproven claim of a stolen election — a protest that turned deadly as an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — many carried signs and flags linking the Republican political leader to their Christian faith.
Read MoreThis weekend, thousands of Trump supporters gathered in Washington D.C. for the Jericho March, part of a campaign to expose voter fraud and ensure a second Trump term. The event included several conservative Christian speakers and ended in protests throughout the city.
Read More(OPINION) Biden Catholics took the win, leaving more conservative, traditional Catholics that weren’t comfortable voting for Trump as ‘homeless’ voters. Biden has outwardly declared himself as pro-choice, fundamentally discounting the traditional Catholic principle of anti-abortion.
Read MoreThe trend picked up after the 2016 election. Nearly half of the 31 Muslim candidates who won an office are women.
Read More(NEWS ANALYSIS) Matteo Salvini, who leads the League party, could take his anti-immigration stances to Brussels if opinion polls prove correct. His hardline stance on the issue has put him at odds with the Catholic church in Italy as well as with Pope Francis, who has repeatedly spoken in favor of refugees seeking asylum in Western Europe.
Read MoreThe soap opera that is Italian politics has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks as two populist parties on opposite ends of the spectrum have decided to join forces as the Catholic Church opposes the wave of anti-immigrant sentiment that has engulfed the country over the past year.
Read MoreTen years on from election violence that left 1,000 dead, and after the 2013 elections were marred by allegations of vote tampering, Kenya will have another chance on August 8th, 2017, to peacefully vote in the opposition or stay with the current administration.
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