Christianity

What do Christian protests about Harry Potter books teach us? | Religion News Service

June 28, 2017
(The Conversation) On Monday (June 26), Harry James Potter — the world’s most famous wizard — will celebrate his 20th birthday. His many fans will likely mark the occasion by rereading a favorite Harry Potter novel or rewatching one of the blockbuster films. Some may even raise a butterbeer toast in Harry’s honor at one of three Harry Potter-themed amusement parks. But not everyone will be celebrating Harry’s big day. In fact, a vocal group of Christians – ... Read more about What do Christian protests about Harry Potter books teach us? | Religion News Service

Church of England head says it 'colluded with' sex abuse

June 23, 2017
The Church of England “colluded” with and helped to hide the long-term sexual abuse of young men by one of its former bishops, the head of the church said Thursday. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby apologized to the victims who spoke out and helped bring ex-bishop Peter Ball to justice as the church published a detailed report on how it handled the case. Source: Church of England head says it 'colluded with' sex abuse

Creative program funds buildings for rapidly growing Georgia parishes

June 23, 2017
Making room for everyone at the Lord’s table is the spirit behind a focused new program in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The Special Projects Program is funding the expansion of basic worship and religious education space in a few uniquely challenged parishes whose churches cannot hold all the people coming for Mass or religious education. The program immediately will address needs in three churches - a parish and two missions in Cedartown, Gainesville and Lilburn. Source: ... Read more about Creative program funds buildings for rapidly growing Georgia parishes

Ministry allows Christians to worship in the wild of national, state parks - News - Wicked Local - Boston, MA

June 21, 2017
A group known as A Christian Ministry in the National Parks hosts worship services each summer weekend in more than 25 national parks. BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah — The short, black cross is almost an afterthought, wheeled out of a supply closet moments before introductions begin. Its arrival wraps up 20 minutes of guitar practice and nervous chatter, all part of prepping for a weekly worship service. Source: Ministry allows Christians to worship in the wild of national,... Read more about Ministry allows Christians to worship in the wild of national, state parks - News - Wicked Local - Boston, MA

Catholic groups launch conversation about female deacons | Religion News Service

June 20, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Several progressive Catholic groups are launching an initiative aimed at giving lay Catholics and clergy across the U.S. a direct say on whether the church should ordain women deacons. Their actions follow the appointment of a panel of experts set up by Pope Francis to consider the controversial question. The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests, FutureChurch and Voice of the Faithful have launched ... Read more about Catholic groups launch conversation about female deacons | Religion News Service

Can an evangelical, progressive Democrat succeed in Florida? | Religion News Service

June 15, 2017
ORLANDO, Fla. (RNS) A few days after the Pulse nightclub shootings, in which most of the 49 patrons who were killed were gay and Latino, a local businessman and active Christian layman contributed a guest column to the Orlando Sentinel titled “Christian to LGBTs: We are sorry.” “I believe one source of hope may come from the Christian church, an institution I have loved and been a part of since I was a little boy,” wrote Chris King. “Historically, I see a church that has often gotten it wrong — really wrong — when it comes to serving the needs of the LGBTQ community. Source: ... Read more about Can an evangelical, progressive Democrat succeed in Florida? | Religion News Service

Rapping for Jesus: Religious hip-hop isn't quite what you think - News - Wicked Local - Boston, MA

June 15, 2017
Across America, a number of artists are putting the beat back in the Beatitudes.

To the average person, the idea of Christian hip-hop registers somewhere between Crocs sandals and minivans on the scale of “super lame things for white people.”

A person who has never listened to the genre might imagine it to be preachy, overly evangelizing and a little corny. As with most things, however, expectation and reality are two different things.

Source: Rapping... Read more about Rapping for Jesus: Religious hip-hop isn't quite what you think - News - Wicked Local - Boston, MA

Our Lady of the Cape Church launches “Catholics Come Home” campaign | Religion News Service

June 15, 2017
Brewster, Mass.:  Our Lady of the Cape Parish is announcing a Catholics Come Home campaign at all masses and community activities to welcome anyone who drifted away from Catholicism for any reason, back to the Church. Our Lady of the Cape Church will host a series of four informal gatherings for inactive Catholics at its parish center located at 468 Stony Brook Road in Brewster every Thursday in July at 7 p.m.  The gatherings are free and are designed to create a forum for dialogue around questions concerning matters of faith and the Catholic Church.  The pastor of Our Lady of the... Read more about Our Lady of the Cape Church launches “Catholics Come Home” campaign | Religion News Service

Maryland bishops call for compassion, prudence on immigration

June 14, 2017
 The Maryland Catholic Conference has issued a statement of guiding principles for Catholics and state legislators to better encounter immigrants with compassion in both personal and political arenas. Members of the Maryland community, they said, should encounter migrants with “a spirit of compassion, prudence, and cooperation to address the challenges faced by immigrants, elected officials, law enforcement and our communities as a whole.” The May 30 document, signed by bishops in Maryland, Washington, and Delaware, refers to immigration... Read more about Maryland bishops call for compassion, prudence on immigration

Rhode Island Synagogue Welcomed By Episcopal Church – The Forward

June 7, 2017
— A small Jewish congregation in Rhode Island is moving into an Episcopal church. Congregation Or Chadash will hold a procession next week, during which congregants will carry their three Torah scrolls out of their former building, which was recently consecrated as the first Hindu Temple in Rhode Island, the Jewish Voice newspaper reported. Read more: http://... Read more about Rhode Island Synagogue Welcomed By Episcopal Church – The Forward

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