As political alliances struggle to implement peace agreements in a civil war that’s raged since 2011, three South Sudan government forces stormed a church during the Christmas holidays and brutally beat and raped its members, attempting to kill at least eight. Military authorities have vowed the men will be brought to justice.
Read More(OPINION) The high court’s ruling on whether Gordon College, an evangelical school, can require its professors to adhere to its doctrinal statement on LGBTQ relationships could have nationwide impacts. The arguments hinge on whether professors at religious institutions qualify for “ministerial exemption” from workplace anti-discrimination laws because of their role in faith formation of the students.
Read MoreWhen a bomb exploded in downtown Nashville on Christmas Day, millions in the area loss their internet phone service. Without connectivity, one couple experienced communion in an unlikely place — a McDonald's parking lot.
(OPINION) After I became a Christian in 1973, in my early 20s, I lost interest in politics for a while, because there were new spiritual dimensions of reality to investigate and map. But around 1978 something awakened my interest again. That was the campaign in Santa Ana, Calif., to run the Rescue Mission out of town. I realized that a lot of land use law in our country is based on a not very Christian concept of who is “undesirable neighbors.”
Read MoreMany take the start of a new year as the chance to renew themselves physically and spiritually. Explore the use of meditation in major world religions and see some of the best tools for reflection and prayer in 2021.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in celebrates the most popular — and most unsung — journalism produced by Religion Unplugged in 2020.
Read MoreA professor who departs from Gordon College’s religious views on LGBTQ is suing to protect her promotion, while a federal judge turned down Michigan Catholic parents’ plea for an exemption to a mask mandate. Read five of the latest religious freedom struggles.
Read More(TRAVEL) Aside from its rich history and architectural majesty, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception may very well be one of the most under-appreciated places to visit in Washington. In a city dominated by so many architectural wonders connected to politics, it’s easy to neglect that it also has a very large Catholic presence.
Read More(OPINION) The issue of genocide outside of the U.S. borders has been persisting for years in countries like Cambodia, Bosnia and Rowanda. There is a blatant disregard in the U.S. to understand and get involved, leading to very little preventative action before the genocide begins.
Read MoreHeline Babiene Eweni is providing support and livelihood education for poor and vulnerable Cameroonians in her home town who have been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict between government troops and separatists from Anglophone Cameroon. The support from her church after the death of her parents encouraged Eweni to form her own humanitarian organization.
Read More(ANALYSIS) What will 2021 bring? That’s the big question following a 2020 that will forever remain a year where the world was held hostage by a pandemic. It was also a year where we had a combative presidential election and a reawakened social justice movement that brought our divided politics out into our streets.
Read MoreAccording to the U.S. Census, Idaho continues to be one of the fastest growing states. It’s also highly conservative. Now during the pandemic, some towns are seeing influxes of residents from nearby states seeking more freedom from COVID-19 restrictions on worship.
Read More(OPINION) Terry Mattingly analyzes the Religion News Association’s Top 10 religious beat stories list. He believes that the most important COVID-19 related story should be specifically about the issue of 1st Amendment Rights as they relate to having in-person church services.
Read More(OPINION) Metzger analyzes the time period between Advent and Lent, known as “secular,” and explains its importance to the extraordinary nature of life—not just the year 2020.
Read MoreBoko Haram terrorists attacked Christian communities in Northeastern Nigeria on Christmas Eve, burning down many churches and homes. One reverend who refused to convert to Islam was beheaded.
Read MoreDuring a priest shortage deacons in the Catholic Church are playing increasingly important roles. Thomas Jack, a deacon in Steuben County, N.Y., is fielding calls for financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More(OPINION) In some countries, the lack of religious freedom and the threat of Christian persecution casts a dark shadow across Christmas festivities and celebrations. It is not unusual for fanatical, iron-fisted governments to make the Advent season a time of intensified fear and real danger. Many Christians, despite their faith and devotion, have little opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Read MoreIn a special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in, the nation’s top religion writers share their top stories of 2020.
Read More(OPINION) Ongoing fights about the First Amendment and religious liberty are likely to prove the most newsworthy, but two other themes deserve attention as well.
Read More(OPINION) Evaluating Catholic nuns and their projects to help the poor dampened the cynicism of a skeptic and lapsed Episcopalian who studies religion. Sister Rosemary is one such nun who has devoted her life to sheltering and empowering women and children who fled violence in Uganda.
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