Posts in Religion
Just when worship gatherings seemed safe again, delta variant raises renewed concerns

What might concerns over COVID-19’s delta variant mean for houses of worship? This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores that question while rounding up the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Why the Burrill resignation is the biggest story in U.S. Catholicism

(ANALYSIS) It’s been a busy July on the Catholic news beat. There’s rarely a dull moment, especially in the Pope Francis era, as debate over the past few weeks focused on the Latin Mass and alleged Grindr-clicking gay clergy in high places.

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Olympians talk faith, mental challenges of the Games

Olympians like Dominique Dawes and Rochelle Stevens talked to ReligionUnplugged about their faith, wrestling with mental challenges in the Games and supporting U.S. gymnast Simone Biles who withdrew from competition this week over mental health concerns and vertigo-like symptoms. Biles and Dawes have both shared leaning on their Catholic faith in their gymnastics careers.

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Fact check: Who is the pastor accused in Haiti’s presidential assassination?

This week’s Weekend Plug-in features a fact check on an important religion angle related to Haiti’s presidential assassination. Plus, catch up on all the week’s best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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New Roberto Baggio biopic doesn't shy away from soccer star’s Buddhist faith

(REVIEW) The movie “The Divine Ponytail” packs a lot in just 91 minutes and doesn’t ignore Roberto Baggio’s Buddhist faith and how it helped motivate the former Italian soccer star at the World Cup and beyond.

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Pastors and plagiarism: Why an old story is making timely new headlines

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights recent news coverage of plagiarism in the world of faith. Plus, catch up on all the week’s top religion news and best reads.

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This Humble Amish Novelist Has Quietly Sold More Than 350,000 Books And Just Dropped Another Title

Linda Byler, 63, is an Old Order Amish wordsmith who began writing out of financial desperation. With 39 published novels, she has captivated Amish and non-Amish audiences (called English)—readers from around the nation who sometimes drop by her farm just to meet the writer who captures the simple life of the Amish sect, more than 300,000 strong in the United States alone.

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Communion wars: Why does Biden take the Eucharist and support abortion?

(OPINION) What’s important to remember is that as Catholics our faith is not a set of political positions that we hold on a variety of issues. Our faith is rooted in what Jesus said about God’s purpose and his will for every person. That has been transmitted to all of us in the gospels, through centuries of church tradition and Canon Law.

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Documentary explores Vatican soccer tournament through the power of prayer and penalty kicks

(REVIEW) This unique sporting event is the focus of a new 69-minute documentary called “The Holy Game” by filmmakers Brent Hodge and Chris Kelly. The film, distributed by Gravitas Ventures, details what’s often called the “World Cup of the church” — but also takes a behind-the-scenes look at these young seminarians who love both playing the game and God.

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A Boom In Pandemic Home-Schooling Tees Up Conflicts Over Religion, Rights and Regulation

(OPINION) The Census Bureau reports the “unprecedented environment” during the COVID-19 pandemic fueled a boom in “pandemic pods” as well as parents considering virtual schools and home-school organizations beyond the neighborhood public school. The Census Bureau reported home-schooling among Black or African Americans increased by five times to 16.1% of households last fall.

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Catholic bishops vote to draft Communion guidelines: What happens next?

(ANALYSIS) Following three days of contentious debate, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved a measure on Friday to draft a statement that could deny Holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians like President Joe Biden. Here’s what happens next.

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Big news involving Southern Baptists, Roman Catholics and even a modern-day Jonah

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the crucial developments at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Get ready for a week that could change U.S. Catholicism forever

(OPINION) Barring an intervention from Pope Francis himself, the U.S. bishops will consider, and vote on Thursday, a plan for a document about Holy Communion that includes denying the sacrament to politicians who repeatedly support policies advocating abortion rights. That includes President Joe Biden, only the country’s second Catholic commander in chief ever.

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Leaks turn up the heat in advance of Southern Baptists' Nashville meeting

This week’s Weekend Plug-in summary highlights the drama expected to unfold at next week’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Plus, find links to all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Coming soon: Southern Baptist Convention's biggest annual meeting in a quarter-century

This week’s Weekend Plug-in summary explores why the Southern Baptist Convention is preparing for its biggest annual meeting in a quarter-century. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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