Study: Religious Attendance Flatlining, While Giving Remains Strong
(RNS) — All the available hard evidence shows that religious congregations are declining. But a new nationally representative study from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy finds that revenue is not necessarily declining along with attendance.
Museum of the Bible Says Oxford Professor Sold Fragments Illicitly
(RNS) — As many as 17 ancient Bible fragments that were bought for the Museum of the Bible were apparently stolen by a world-renowned Oxford University professor, the museum has acknowledged.
Helping Illinois Children, Stitch By Stitch
MARSHALL, Ill. (BP) -- In a Sunday school classroom at Marshall Missionary Baptist Church, the Loving Hands group work on quilts that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Illinois' Baptist Children's Home and Family Services since their first one in 2005.
As Fewer Refugees Enter the US, One Chicago Group Decides to Go to Them
CHICAGO (RNS) — A woman dressed in beautifully designed fabrics had invited guests into her home and taken great care to show them hospitality. But the refugee's home was a tent made from tarps, insulated against the crisp air as best as possible.
Ukrainian Believers: ‘Standing on Our Knees’
KHARKOV, Ukraine (BP) -- What compels Ukrainian believers to get up daily and kneel in the snow? Why is it so important to meet together when they could whisper a prayer from the warmth of their beds?
Speaking of Abuse: Baptist Press, Bible Scholars Grapple With Language (UPDATE)
(RNS) — As in politics, the entertainment industry, science and elsewhere, the world of Christianity is reassessing how to describe sexual misconduct, with an eye to owning up to the seriousness of abuse that was once dismissed as innocent or covered up.
Brunson Reaped Spiritual ‘Hunger’ in Turkish Prison
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) -- Two years in filthy Turkish prisons reaped for pastor Andrew Brunson a spiritual "hunger, desperation and running after God" that he hasn't felt since his release.
Christian Leaders Call for Day of Prayer in Support of Impeachment Inquiry
(RNS) — More than 90 Christian leaders are calling for a National Day of Prayer this Sunday (Oct. 13) "for the truth to be revealed through the impeachment inquiry."
In St. Louis, Mapping How Religion Is Lived — in Sanctuaries Holy and Profane
(RNS) — Perched on his mat in the back corner of the room, Adam Park performed a series of yoga poses just like the others: Downward-facing dog, Warrior 1, Child’s pose. Unlike the others, the adjunct professor at St. Louis University was there mostly to observe and ask questions.
Religion in Public Schools Focus of Pew Study
WASHINGTON (BP) -- As courts deliberate the legality of religious activity including prayer and Bible study in public schools, many teenagers participate in or witness religious activity on campus, according to the Pew Research Center.