December 21
Pope Francis Tells Clerics Who Abuse Minors to Hand Themselves In
CNN
Gallup Says Ethics Rating for Clergy Drops to Lowest Ever; Nurses Tops in Trust
AL.com
Sorry, Santa: A Chinese City Has Just Banned All Things Christmas
NPR
There’s More Religion Than You Think in Bach’s ‘Brandenburgs’
New York Times
Keep the X in X-Mas
Christianity Today
December 19
Christmas Festival Brings ‘Good News of Great Joy’ to a Diverse and Changing World
Faith & Leadership
Prisoners in a Chinese Internment Camp Made Clothes for a Major U.S. Apparel Supplier
Huffington Post
In Post-Soviet Lands, Theology and Politics Are Hard to Disentangle
The Economist
Why It’s so Difficult for Catholic Priests to Eulogize Suicide
Slate
The World’s First Christian Airline Is Coming, and It Won’t Charge Missionaries for Luggage Fees
Relevant
December 18
8 Reasons These People Need the Spokane Christmas Bureau’s Help This Year
The Spokesman-Review
A Holy Mess: Churches, Other Nonprofits Confront Parking Tax
Politico
Iranians Are Converting To Evangelical Christianity In Turkey
NPR
China Closes Megachurches Before Christmas
Christianity Today
Internet Church Isn’t Really Church
New York Times
December 17
Applying Trinity Lutheran Decision, New Mexico Supreme Court Approves Textbook Loan Program
Baptist Joint Committee
Pack a Constitution with That Bible for Overseas Mission Trips, Expert Says
Baptist News Global
Ukraine Riles Moscow as It Announces Head of New Independent Orthodox Church
The Guardian
Karen Swallow Prior: Good Books Make Better People
Christianity Today
Hallmark, Famous for Christmas Movies, Plans Two Hanukkah Features
Forbes
December 13
Gallup: Australia, Indonesia Top U.S. as ‘Most Generous’ Nation
UPI
Montana Supreme Court Rules Religious School Tuition Tax Credit Unconstitutional
Baptist Joint Committee
No Room at the Inn: UK Homeless Charities Turn Away Christmas Volunteers
The Guardian
The Top Bible Verses of 2018 Don’t Come from Jesus or Paul
Christianity Today
If the Best Doesn’t Exist, Why Can’t We Stop Searching?
Vox
December 12
Female Youth Worker at Tenn. Baptist Church Accused of Statutory Rape
Baptist News Global
Judge Sides with Religious Groups in ACA Birth Control Mandate Fight
The Hill
Bonhoeffer: Advent Is Like a Prison Cell
Christianity Today
Study Shows Young Adults Leaving Church Start down That Path at Age 13
National Catholic Reporter
Fentanyl Now America’s Deadliest Drug, Federal Health Officials Say
USA Today
December 11
Are Public Schools Allowed to Celebrate Christmas?
Baptist Joint Committee
Supreme Court Gives Victory to Planned Parenthood in Medicaid Case
NBC News
Yemen Warring Sides Agree at Start of Talks to Free Thousands of Prisoners
Sojourners
Joseph Gets a Supporting Role in the Christmas Story. but He’s the Patron Saint of Taking Chances
Baptist News Global
Why Christians May Be Less Enthusiastic About a More Diverse Congress
Deseret News
December 10
It’s Human Rights Day, However, It’s Not Universally Accepted
NPR
Hundreds of Sex Abuse Allegations Found in Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches Across U.S.
Ft Worth Star-Telegram
Chinese Police Detain Prominent Pastor and Over 100 Protestants
New York Times
The Real Roots of American Rage
The Atlantic
‘Silent Night’ Turns 200 This Year. Is It the Greatest Christmas Song Ever?
America
December 7
CLark Lobenstine Had a Pioneering Concept of Interfaith. Can It Survive?
Washington Post
Increasing Rejection of Church ‘a Good Thing,’ Brian Mclaren Says
Baptist News Global
Studies Conclude Atrocities Against Rohingya Constitute Genocide
Religion Clause
Clergy Visits Give Hope to ICE Detainees, but Access Is Inconsistent
Christian Century
He Is Jewish, but Being Santa Is His Calling
NPR
December 6
W.C. Fields, Advocate for a Free Baptist Press, Dead at 96
Baptist News Global
4 Myths About White Evangelical Voters
Christian Post
Dutch Asylum Service Nears 1,000 Hours, With Evangelicals’ Support
Christianity Today
All the Presidents at the Bush Funeral Service Together Recited This Core Prayer. Except One.
Washington Post
December 5
Satanic Sculpture Installed at Illinois Statehouse, Just in Time for the Holidays
NPR
These Grandmother Gun-Violence Activists Mean Business
Baptist News Global
Prince Charles Calls for Coexistence in Speech on Persecuted Christians
The Guardian
What’s Next for Religious Freedom in 2019? Faith Leaders and Policymakers Weigh In
Deseret News
What Does Dying — and Mourning — Look like in a Secular Age?
Vox
December 4
Church Revival: The Spirit (Or the Economy) Is Moving Religious Real Estate Again
WCPO Cincinnati
Emerging Trends for Minister Compensation
Christianity Today
How a New Condo, a Complaint and a Bell Led to a Collision of Culture in Bangkok
NPR
“In God We Trust” Legislation Enacted in Multiple States
Baptist Joint Committee
Ghana’s Red-Hot Funerals: Buried in a Chilli Pepper
BBC
December 3
Americans Unhappy With Family, Social or Financial Life More Likely to Say They Feel Lonely
Pew Research Center
The Percentage of American Christians Who Believe in Climate Change is (Slightly) Growing
Relevant
Brits’ Top Response to Theology Questions? ‘Don’t Know’
Christianity Today
Thinking About Missionaries: Arrogant Fools or Obedient Believers?
GetReligion.org
Minn. Pastor Pens Lutefisk Eulogy, Then Puts 70-Year Tradition on Ice
Minneapolis Star Tribune
November 30
BTSR, a Female President and the ‘Glass Cliff’
Baptist News Global
Christmas Controversy in the U.S. Military: A Bible Cake and a Muslim Ordered to Don a Santa Suit
Newsweek
Congress Approves Measure to Combat Crimes Targeting Religious Minorities in Iraq and Syria
Baptist Joint Committee
Methodist Church Sign Subtly Criticizes U.S. Use of Tear Gas at the Border
Huffington Post
Flying Pastor Wasn’t the First to Get Creative for a Sermon
Commercial Appeal
November 29
Baptist Theologian Embarking on New Mission Field – Interfaith Work
Baptist News Global
Ohio Senate Debates “Pastor Protection Act”
Baptist Joint Committee
Netherlands Church Holds Continuous Worship Service to Prevent Family’s Deportation
Huffington Post
Killing of American Missionary Ignites Debate over How to Evangelize
NPR
For Californians Living in Their Cars, a Church Parking Lot Can Briefly Be Home
Washington Post
November 27
Jim Hill Eyes Retirement, as Ministry Continues
News Tribune
Church Seeks to Intervene in Lawsuit Over IRS Tax Exemption
Baptist News Global
Judge Releases Over 100 Iraqi Christians Detained by ICE
Christianity Today
The U.S. Class Divide Extends to Searching for a Religious Congregation
Pew Research Center
The Charity Walkathon Is Dead
The Atlantic
November 26
What Should America Do with Its Empty Churches?
The Atlantic
Evidence of Sodom? Meteor Blast Cause of Biblical Destruction, Say Scientists
Times of Israel
A Missionary’s Last Letter Before Being Killed on a Forbidden Island
New York Times
How Faith Leaders Respond to Tragedies like the California Wildfires
Vox
How the ‘New World’ Symphony Introduced American Music to Itself
NPR
November 22
Why the Pilgrims Were Actually Able to Survive
The Conversation
Lawsuit Claims Exclusion of Clergy Member from Homeless Camp Violates Religious Freedom Rights
Baptist Joint Committee
When India’s Interfaith Couples Encounter Threats, ‘Love Commandos’ Come to Their Aid
NPR
Do Christians Focus Too Much on the Family?
Christianity Today
6 Ways to Make Thanksgiving More Meaningful
Relevant
November 20
Where Americans Find Meaning in Life
Pew Research Center
Lawmaker Targets Probation-For-Profit Companies in Missouri
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Crisis in Yemen Shaped by Unique Religious and Political Factors
Christian Century
Firearm Violence: America’s Pre-Existing Condition
Baptist News Global
How Can You Stop Wasting so Much Food? the Beard Foundation Wants to Teach You.
Washington Post
November 16
Paradise Fire Burned Most Church Buildings, but ‘the Church Is Still Alive’
Christianity Today
Attorney Named in Pressler Lawsuit Under Investigation for Fraud
Baptist News Global
Why Canada Isn’t the Christian Wasteland Some Christians Imagine
EthicsDaily.com
From Bicycle to Social Movements, the Changing Role of Chaplains in the US
The Conversation
Stephen Colbert’s Explanation of God Starts with a Story About Broccoli. It’s Not Necessarily Funny.
Washington Post
November 15
Experts Weigh in on the State of Sacred Dialogue
Barna Group
Are the Researchers at the Southern Poverty Law Center Judging Fairly?
Washington Post
Gospel for Asia Faces Class Action over Christmas Catalogs
Christianity Today
Stan Lee on God
The Media Project
How Bowling Led from Interfaith Dialogue to Interfaith Friendship
EthicsDaily.com
November 14
Kentucky Baptists Cut Ties with CBF-Aligned Churches
Baptist Standard
Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond to Close in 2019
Baptist News Global
No Cheeks Left to Turn: The Double Persecution of Africa’s Largest Church
Christianity Today
October Religion Bestsellers: Megachurch Pastors Dominate; Kingsbury Returns to #1
Publisher’s Weekly
Wisconsin Boss Gives Every Employee a Handgun for Christmas
Newsweek
November 13
Stan Lee on God
Waco Tribune-Herald
Vatican Requests U.S. Catholic Bishops to Delay Vote in Sex Abuse Scandals
NBC News
Ex-Detainee Describes Torture in China’s Xinjiang Re-Education Camp
NPR
Notre Dame Students Cite Faith as They Kneel During National Anthem to Protest Racism
America magazine
People Who Don’t Believe Scientists Will Believe George Clooney
Pacific Standard
November 12
U.S. District Judge Slashes Fees for Trinity Lutheran Attorneys
Columbia Daily Tribune
Four-Star General: Military More Cautious About Faith
Christianity Today
Baptists Protest Religious Liberty Restrictions in Bulgaria
Baptist Standard
How Christianity, Religion Played a Role in the Great War
Lancaster Online
New Rules Expand Contraception Coverage Exemptions for Religious and Moral Objectors
Baptist Joint Committee
November 9
How Your Church Can Support Veterans Through Actions
EthicsDaily.com
Probe Finds 33 Priests ‘Credibly Accused’ of Sexually Abusing Minors in Missouri
Time
Have All Our Short-Term Mission Trips to Latin America Shaped Our Response to the Migrant ‘Caravan’?
Baptist News Global
Adult Caregiving Often Seen as Very Meaningful by Those Who Do It
Pew Research Center
Satanists Sue for $150M, Saying ‘Sabrina’ Copied Their Statue
NPR
November 8
The Johnson Amendment: After the Elections, the Fight Continues
National Council of Nonprofits
How Can We Nicely Kick Kids Out of Church?
EthicsDaily.com
Guam’s Catholic Church to File Bankruptcy Amid Deluge of Sex Abuse Lawsuits
NPR
Here’s How Abortion Rights Played out in Midterm Elections Across the Country
Washington Post
The Embodied Church in a Digital Age
Christianity Today
November 7
Suit Seeks to Impose Vaccination Exemption on Religious School
Religion Clause
Alabama Voters Approve Ten Commandments, Right to Life Amendments
Montgomery Advertiser
How Christian Missionary Media Shaped the World
The Conversation
Kim Davis Tacked Right on Gay Marriage, but the Right in Kentucky Didn’t Want Her
Courier-Journal
In 2016, Emergency Laws Restricted Religious Freedoms of Muslims More Than Other Groups
Pew Research Center
November 6
5 Things Christians Must Remember as They Head to the Polls
Dallas Morning News
Supreme Court Takes up Its Cross to Test the Wall Separating Church and State
Baptist News Global
Evangelical Delegation Meets with Saudi Crown Prince
Washington Post
Song Without Words Photography Project ‘A Mission From God’
The Bitter Southerner
Joni Eareckson Tada: Suffering Helps Me See Heaven
Christianity Today
November 5
After Tragedy in Pittsburgh, an Extraordinary Effort to Honor ‘the Holy Ones’
NPR
Ecumenical Ministry to Immigrants in Caravan Formed
Baptist Standard
Egypt Says Perpetrators of Attack Against Christians Killed
AP
Voters to Decide on Ballot Measures Related to Religious Liberty Issues in AL, AZ
Baptist Joint Committee
“Make the Gospel Great Again”: Large Billboard of Trump Has St. Louis Co. Residents Talking
KMOV
November 2
Rumors of AI Wars: Where Google and the Bible Agree
Christianity Today
Free Rent in Seattle, No Catch: Landlords’ Faith Inspired a Gift for Tenants
The Seattle Times
Dead Sea Scrolls Are a Priceless Link to the Bible’s Past
The Conversation
Evangelical PR Blitz Before Midterms Won’t Fix the ‘81% Problem’
Rewire.News
Iowa pastor preaches from bulletproof pulpit called ‘The Sermonator’
WQAD
November 1
He Gave Christian Researchers $100 Million. Now His Legacy Lives on Through Their Work.
Christianity Today
‘Traditionalist’ Blog SBC Today Says Goodbye
Baptist News Global
Pakistani Christian Woman’s Blasphemy Ordeal Highlights Plight of Minorities
Reuters
Children Are Getting Great Practice at Being Sold to All the Time
The Atlantic
‘God Is Going to Have to Forgive Me’: Young Evangelicals Speak Out
New York Times
October 31
AG Jeff Sessions Orders Review of Faith-Based Funding Practices in Light of Trinity Lutheran Church
Baptist Joint Committee
U.S. Missionary Shot and Killed in Front of Wife and Son Amid Escalating Cameroon Crisis
Washington Post
The Church of England Should Learn from Harry Potter This Halloween
The Guardian
Guns Send over 8,000 U.S. Kids to ER Each Year, Analysis Says
AP
Report Details Trends for U.S. Women Clergy
Christian Century
October 30
3 Faiths Surround Missouri Land Where Many Believe Second Coming Will Occur
fox4kc.com
As Religion Wanes, ‘Religious’ Hatred Grows
Boston Globe
Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues
Pew Research Center
The Health Department’s Christian Crusade
Rolling Stone
Pastor Runs Sunday 5K. Then Preaches in Running Clothes. And Church Is OK with That.
Baptist News Global
October 29
Red Sox Player Mookie Betts Wins the World Series, Then Goes to Feed the Homeless
Relevant
Russell Moore: If You Hate Jews, You Hate Jesus
Washington Post
Irish Vote to Scrap Offence of Blasphemy
BBC News
America’s Hidden Mission Field: Why We Need Rural Churches
Christianity Today
What Book Would You Describe as Beautiful? 10 Writers Respond.
Christian Century
October 26
Religion Publishing Industry Responds to Sexual Harassment Revelations
Publishers Weekly
Can Government-Funded Foster Care Services Discriminate on the Basis of Religion?
Baptist Joint Committee
Romanian Church Urges Unity for Orthodox Churches
AP
Confederate Pride and Prejudice in the North
Washington Post
Unscathed Painting of Jesus Carried from Ashes of Church Fire
Kansas City Star
October 23
Former Word&Way Editor Bob Terry Celebrates 50 Years in Baptist News
Baptist News Global
Thousands to Convene for Toronto’s Interfaith Parliament
EthicsDaily.com
Birth of a New Ukrainian Church Brings Fears of Violence
AP
Gun Policy Remains Divisive, but Several Proposals Still Draw Bipartisan Support
Pew Research Center
The News Won’t Set You Free (Even If It’s ‘Christian’)
Christianity Today
October 22
Southwestern Seminary Fires Women’s Studies Professor
Baptist News Global
Unearthing the Past: Furman University Reckons with Its Early Leadership
Greenville Journal
Myanmar’s Beleaguered Baptists
Christianity Today
Robert Wood Lynn, Leader in Religion Scholarship, Dies at Age 93
Christian Century
N.Y. Witches Aim Hex at Supreme Court’s Brett Kavanaugh Despite Death Threats
Reuters
October 19
Helping a Difficult Transition: N.D. Baptist Church Uses Interim Pastor Services
Jamestown Sun
Feds Launch Sex Abuse Probe of Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic Church
NPR
Pastor Disguises Himself as a Homeless Person and Sat Outside His Church to See What Would Happen
Relevant
The Neighborhood Is the Unit of Change
New York Times
Americans Agree: We Need a Break from the News
PRRI
October 18
Southwestern Seminary Trustees Uphold Patterson Firing
Baptist Standard
Dove Awards 2018: Cory Asbury, Zach Williams Among Many Big Winners
The Tennessean
Sparing Nineveh: U.S. Pledges $300 Million so Iraq’s Christians Can Return Home
Christianity Today
Women in the U.S. Can Now Get Abortions by Mail
The Atlantic
Judge Dismisses 5 of 8 Claims in Pressler Lawsuit, Citing Statutes of Limitations
Baptist News Global
October 17
God Willing and the Creek Did Rise but Rural Development Work Goes On
Baptist News Global
Christian, What Do You Believe? Probably a Heresy About Jesus, Says Survey
Christianity Today
The Mosques That Survived Palu’s Tsunami and What That Means
The Conversation
It’s Getting Harder to Talk About God: The Decline of Spiritual Conversation
New York Times
The Lost Art of Concentration: Being Distracted in a Digital World
The Guardian
October 15
Washington State Has Abolished the Death Penalty
Relevant
Court Sides with Government in Church-State Suit over Care for Unaccompanied Minors
Baptist Joint Committee
Ukraine Church Ruling Challenges Putin’s Newly Religious Russia
Forbes
Mormon Church President Tells Women to Get off Social Media for 10 Days
Washington Post
How Can Media Handle Major Faith’s Unreasonable Plea?
GetReligion.org
October 9
Resilient Couple Finds Home and Hope in One of Alabama’s Poorest Communities
Baptist News Global
One Small Step for Your Church: Observe Orphan Sunday
EthicsDaily.com
Still No Churches in Saudi Arabia, but Small Steps Toward Religious Freedom
Christianity Today
Faith Groups Get out the Vote for the Midterm Elections
NPR
How Church Communities Can Help Lower African-Americans’ Blood Pressure
CNN
October 8
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Rethinking American History
Smithsonian
Major Climate Report Describes a Strong Risk of Crisis as Early as 2040
New York Times
Baptist Churches Aid War-Torn Families in East Ukraine
EthicsDaily.com
Indonesia’s Tsunami and the Problem of Human Empathy
The Atlantic
Columbus Believed He Would Find ‘Blemmyes’ and ‘Sciapods’ – Not People – in the New World
The Conversation
October 5
Shane Claiborne: ‘Are Murderers Beyond Redemption?’
Baptist Standard
North Carolina Baptist Newspaper Editor to Retire in 2019
Baptist News Global
Sexual Violence, a Savage Feature of Conflict over Centuries
AP
Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Christian Doctor Who Heals Rape Victims
Christianity Today
Minister’s Daughters Ask: Why Is Photo of Our Father, a Pedophile, on a Church Wall?
Charlotte Observer
October 3
BJC’s Tyler Warns of Threats to Religious Liberty in Testimony Before Congress
Baptist Joint Committee
Working for Blue: Chaplains Support Officers, at Times in Danger, Without Protection
fox4kc
Indonesian Earthquake Kills 34 Kids in Bible Camp Mudslide
Christianity Today
International Blasphemy Day Marked as Persecution of Critics of Religion Continues Worldwide
Newsweek
America’s Clergy Are Teaming up with Scientists
Wired
October 2
What’s Next for Willow Creek?
RNS
Loneliness Is Felt Most Intensely by Young People, Study Finds
The Telegraph
Pope Francis Urges Catholics to Trust Historic Agreement with China
NPR
‘New Age’ Beliefs Common Among Both Religious and Nonreligious Americans
Pew Research Center
Creationist Tapped to Review Arizona’s Evolution Standards
AZCentral.com
October 1
Pastors Push for Public Education Support in Tennessee
EthicsDaily.com
White Evangelicals Least Likely Demographic to Believe Kavanaugh Accuser
Baptist News Global
India’s Supreme Court Invalidates Ban on Women in Temple
Religion Clause
‘How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t
New York Times
Internet, Social Media Use and Device Ownership in U.S. Have Plateaued
Pew Research Center