Emily McFarlan Miller
Faith-based refugee aid groups struggle to stay open
Over the past two years, the nation’s refugee resettlement system has been slowly dismantled.
Future unclear after UMC votes to keep rules on LGBTQ couples, clergy
The United Methodist Church retained current language in its Book of Discipline—but it might not be enforced, and churches are considering leaving from both sides.
Popular Christian authors Beth Moore and Max Lucado talk about surviving sexual abuse
Moore and Lucado were featured speakers at a conference at Wheaton College on sexual abuse and the church.
Global Hindu gathering sparks debate over pride in religious identity
“I didn’t come here to find an echo chamber,” one attendee said.
United Methodist bishops encourage local option for same-sex marriage
The bishops recommended removing prohibitions on same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy in the global denomination's Book of Discipline—while allowing new regional rules.
Groups resettling refugees fight for survival
Hundreds of U.S.-based workers have lost their jobs in the past year. Many of them are refugees themselves.
Research counters nativist claims about Europe's Muslim population
A report from the Pew Research Center looks at projections depending on rates of welcoming refugees and immigrants.
U.S. Catholics and Protestants agree: they have more in common than not
Pew Research Center data show that many U.S. Protestants seem unaware of traditional positions.
Member of Trump's evangelical advisory board resigns
A. R. Bernard, lead pastor of a 33,000-member church in Brooklyn, New York, cited "conflict in values" with the administration.
More education doesn’t mean less religious commitment among Christians, Pew says
It’s a popular belief: the more educated a person is, the less religious he or she likely will be....
Reversing a previous downward trend, worldwide restrictions on religion are up
The number of countries with “high levels” of restrictions on religion due to government policies or actions by other groups increased in 2015, reversing a downward trend.
...Christian aid group cuts staff members in wake of Trump’s executive order on refugees
World Relief has announced it will lay off more than 140 staff members and close five local offices as a “direct result” of President Trump’s order to more than halve the number of refugees resettl...
Survey reveals public’s skepticism about pastors
What do pastors think about social or political issues? Americans don’t particularly want to know.
...Lisa Sharon Harper and Russell Moore among those exposing rifts among evangelicals
The day after the election, Lisa Sharon Harper nearly gave up the name “evangelical.”
...Election issues, candidate endorsements heard from pulpits, new survey says
Most Americans are hearing campaign issues from the pulpits of their churches during this presidential election season—and some are hearing candidate endorsements as well—according to a new survey....
ELCA affirms points of agreement with Catholics
Nearly 500 years after Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Castle Church door, the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States has approved a declaration recognizing “there are no long...
Methodists elect first openly LGBT bishop
For years, Karen Oliveto refused to allow her name to be cast for the role of bishop in the United Methodist Church because she “didn’t want to harm the church,” she said.
...United Methodists punt on LGBT inclusion, reject divestment
In an effort to stave off a schism, the United Methodist Church deferred a decision on whether to allow same-sex marriage and accept LGBT clergy.
...United Methodist leadership recommends deferral of LGBT decisions
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