Homelessness in U.S. Increases for Second Straight Year
The number of people in the U.S. experiencing homelessness increased for the second year in a row, according to an annual U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report released in mid-December 2018.
Slim Majority in U.S. Says Religion Very Important to Them
A slim majority (51 percent) of U.S. adults said religion is very important in their lives, according to a Gallup report published Dec. 24. With a plus-or-minus 4 percent sampling error, that number could be as high as 55 percent or as low as 47 percent.
Baptists, Catholics Hold Highest Number of Seats in the 116th U.S. Congress
Catholics and Baptists hold the most seats among Christian adherents in the 116th U.S. Congress, according to Pew Research Center data released on Jan. 3.
Bishops and Astronauts Gather in Washington to Remember Apollo 8
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Sometimes, the most profound truths about humanity — and God — are revealed when we take a small step back. Or rocket ourselves about 238,000 miles into space. Astronaut James Lovell had that epiphany 50 years ago as he became one of the first astronauts to orbit the moon.
Republican Tax Plan Contains ‘Johnson Amendment’ Repeal
The proposed tax plan drafted by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives contains a provision that would repeal the so-called “Johnson Amendment,” according to a Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) email sent out Dec. 11.
Churches Receiving Taxpayer Money in Aftermath of Missouri Case
As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year in the case Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, In. v. Comer, Missouri taxpayers are footing the bill for new playground surfaces at churches and Christian schools — and that likely means some public schools and city parks did not receive funding.
Anti-Semitism Casts Long Shadows over Jewish Festival of Lights
(RNS) — Hanukkah is meant to mark the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression.
But in the days and weeks leading up to Hanukkah, which began Sunday (Dec. 2), many Jews have felt defeated as a steady wave of anti-Semitic incidents roiled the country.
Former President George H.W. Bush Dies at Age 94
HOUSTON (AP) — George H.W. Bush, a World War II hero whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94.
California’s Camp Fire: ‘It Never Turned Daylight’
PARADISE, Calif. (BP) -- Members of Paradise Ridge Southern Baptist Church have asked pastor Bob Sorensen if they will continue to have a church but not because their building is gone. They ask because the Camp Fire destroyed much of their community.
Faith Leaders Denounce Trump Proclamation Denying Asylum Outside Border Crossings
(RNS) — President Trump signed a proclamation Friday (Nov. 9) barring anyone who enters the United States outside of official border crossings from applying for asylum in the country.
Trump hinted at such plans before the midterms, while discussing a caravan of would-be asylum seekers traveling through Central America toward the United States.