Posts in North America
The Great Resignation Is Not So Great For Health Care Workers, Teachers, Pastors

(OPINION) So it seems to me that the Great Resignation is great for a few, mainly tech workers. It’s not so great for others. Most are stuck in an iron cage of capitalism rewarding efficiency and economic prosperity but less so those vocations tilted toward social well-being — like health care workers, teachers, and pastors.

Read More
Texas Christians, Muslims, Jews Pray For Congregation Beth Israel As Community Recovers From Hostage Event

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist and other community members gathered Monday night in the sanctuary of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas, and applauded Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker — just two days after the rabbi and three others were held hostage in Congregation Beth Israel in neighboring Colleyville.

Read More
Houston Megachurch Pastor Resigns Over Affair In Latest ARC-Planted Church Scandal

Pastor Jeremy Foster’s resignation from Hope City Church in Houston, Texas, due to an adulterous affair is the latest in a series of scandals linked to the Association of Related Churches, one of the largest church planting organizations in North America.

Read More
Court Rules In Favor Of Illinois Catholic Church That Fired Gay Music Director

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled in favor of a Roman Catholic church that was sued by a former employee fired for his same-sex marriage, saying churches and religious groups have the right to hire and supervise staff according to their beliefs — without government intrusion.

Read More
A Religion Reporter's Guide To Interviewing

(OPINION) Interviews are forever the linchpin of all original reporting. The key to getting a good interview: preparation. You've probably heard the preacher's rule of one hour of work in the study per one minute in the pulpit. The reporter’s rule is more modest: at least 10 minutes of research per one minute of interviewing.

Read More
Video: COVID-19 Is Highlighting Spiritual Needs In Health Care

As health care professionals assess the lessons of the COVID-19 global pandemic, one unexpected message may be the importance of including spirituality in overall patient care. A pioneer in that movement is Dr. Christina Puchalski, founder and executive director of George Washington University’s Institute for Spirituality and Health.

Read More
‘Dark Money’: Faith-based, Other Nonprofits Funnel Tax-Free Money To Political Groups

While Uncle Sam grants Americans tax deductions for charitable giving, the government prohibits deductions for donations to political groups. But a growing number of donors on the left and the right have used “dark money” to exploit a simple work-around.

Read More
'Autobiography Of A Yogi' Hits 75th Year Of Introducing Yoga And Eastern Religion

“Autobiography of a Yogi,” published in 1946, popularized Eastern religious concepts like “cosmic consciousness” and practices like yoga and meditation in the West. Brother Jayananada, who became a monk after reading the book over 40 years ago, spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about its 75th anniversary and its lasting impact.

Read More
'Spotlight' On Clergy Sex Abuse 20 years Later Shows Why Journalism Matters

(OPINION) Jan. 6 means different things to people. This year, the date became a polarizing remembrance of the U.S. Capitol insurrection, riots or whatever else one calls it. For Clemente, this Jan. 6 marked a special anniversary — the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Boston Globe “Spotlight” team’s investigation into predator priests.

Read More
Financial Uncertainty At Bill Gothard’s Institute In Basic Life Principles

In the 1970s and 80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. But in recent years, the nondenominational ministry has seen a decline from its once-influential and well-connected source of resources and community for like-minded Christians after allegations of sexual harassment dating back decades.


Read More
12 Tribes Group Denies Starting Devastating Colorado Fire

Colorado officials are investigating claims that a small fire in December on a rural property of the “Jesus People” group Twelve Tribes jump-started two major fires south of Boulder, which, fanned by 100 mph winds, destroyed more than 900 homes and forced the evacuation of 35,000 people.

Read More
A Tragic Day In American History, But Not An Insurrection

(OPINION) According to the script of “FBI: Most Wanted,” Jan. 6, 2021, was most certainly an insurrection. And even though this particular group of fanatics represented a small minority of Americans, they were depicted as the very image of the insurrection itself. But there is another side to this story.

Read More
As Ministers Are Overcome By Stress, Sabbaticals May Be The Key To Avoiding Burnout

The pandemic amplified existing ministerial stress. An October poll by the Barna Group found that 38% of U.S. ministers had considered leaving full-time ministry within the past year — a 9% increase from a poll in January. Sabbaticals, extended time away to focus on spiritual growth, may be the key to avoiding burnout.

Read More
Investigations Continue Into Televangelist Perry Stone's Alleged Sexual Misconduct

Allegations of sexual misconduct began surfacing against televangelist Perry Stone last year. But a few months later, Stone was back in the pulpit. Now, new accusations have been made public, and — according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press — the FBI has been questioning people in connection with Stone’s behavior.

Read More