Posts in North America
Examining Rudy Giuliani's complicated Catholicism

(OPINION) President Donald Trump’s impeachment is underway in the U.S. Senate, something that has dominated news coverage in recent days and will continue to do so. While Trump is at the center of the Senate trial, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is a key figure in all of this as well.

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Among society's exiled Christians are leaders of the next revivals

(OPINION) To bring Christianity out of exile in American culture, we should look for innovators among the small percentage of Evangelical Protestants who are both active and influential. Only a few are needed to launch fresh movements that can energize the faith.

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HBO's 'The New Pope' serves up plenty of sin, but no substance

(REVIEW) There is a Hollywood fascination with all that’s morbid about religion. It has traditionally had a profane approach when it comes to the Catholic church. That it loves to dramatize reality into what can sometimes be an ugly trope, this is exactly what we get with HBO’s new TV mini-series.

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Open Doors report: The 4 biggest trends in Christian persecution globally

Government surveillance programs, extremist Islamic ideology and wartime murder and displacement of Christian minorities are growing threats to Christian communities across three continents, according to the annual watch list.

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Nonprofit journalism on the rise: What about religion news?

(OPINION) News organizations are increasingly turning to non-profit models and partnerships in the quest for sustainability. Several recent developments have implications for religion coverage.

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What the clergy celibacy feud means for Catholicism

Retired Pope Benedict XVI issued a strongly-worded defense for priestly celibacy — countering his successor Pope Francis who’s been considering allowing married men to be ordained in the Amazon to deal with a shortage in that part of the world.

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The Naked Truth About Raelians And Their UFO Religion

The Raelians believe in intelligent design for atheists— that aliens created all life on earth and that there is no god but only those who come from the sky, the Elohim. We attended their recent North American conference to learn more about their beliefs and practices.

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7 tips for covering horrific events at houses of worship — and treating victims right

(OPINION) “Weekend Plug-In” is a column by veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr. Look every Friday for analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. This week: In the wake of the deadly shooting at a Texas church, Bobby sought out top journalists’ advice for reporting responsibly on tragedies.

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Religious traditions are a salve for the woes of modern youth

(OPINION) The mental health and lifestyle benefits of faith in adulthood are well-documented. A recent Harvard study suggests that kids are better off in many ways when raised in a religious tradition. As the media and grown-ups fret about the state of today’s youth, journalists should pay attention to what works.

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'Evangelicals for Trump' coalition kicks off at hispanic megachurch

The coalition backing President Donald Trump officially launched on Jan. 3 at El Rey Jesús, a Miami megachurch.  The coalition was announced in the aftermath of a Christianity Today editorial that called for Trump’s removal from office.

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Jews torn between ramped up security and tradition in wake of increased attacks

Amid rising attacks against American Jews, many Modern Orthodox synagogues in New York are grappling with how to ensure security within their houses of worship while remaining compliant with their religious laws.

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Church shooting victim remembered: Hero sacrificed his life to save many

Hundreds of mourners, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, paid tribute to volunteer security team member Richard White, who died Sunday in a shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ near Fort Worth, Texas.

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Why Texas minister talked to me (and only me) about deadly church shooting

(OPINION) Introducing “Weekend Plug-In,” a column by veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr. Look every Friday for analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. This week: how Bobby was the only media allowed in to the Texas church that witnessed a shooting Sunday, top religion stories of the week, a new religion beat reporter hired at the New York Times and more.

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The Best of Religion Journalism in 2019

The Media Project staff, board and members worldwide submitted nominations for the best efforts in religion journalism that we admired most in 2019.

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Papal slap ushers in a busy 2020 on the Catholic beat

(OPINION) This time of year brings with it pieces looking back on the biggest stories of the year. It’s also a time to look ahead. The coming year will certainly be a busy one once again for journalists who cover Catholicism, Pope Francis and the church’s hierarchy.

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Minister reflects on shooting that shattered his congregation’s peace

Preacher Britt Farmer lost his best friend in the Sunday shooting at a Church of Christ near Fort Worth. At the same time, the close-knit congregation 10 miles west of Fort Worth had beefed up its security team and trained members for a real-life nightmare such as this.

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Texas church grieves, prays and sings following deadly shooting

The congregation of West Freeway Church of Christ, about 280 people, came together a day after a gunman killed two of their flock and an armed member fatally shot him.

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New York clergy denounce anti-Semitic violence following slew of attacks

Amid a global trend of increasing anti-semitism, attacks have been reported on an almost daily basis throughout Hanukkah in New York City. Faith leaders there met to discuss what to do about it.

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