Adelle M. Banks
Clergy housing allowance is constitutional, appeals court rules
Leaders of the Freedom From Religion Foundation argue that the allowance discriminates in favor of ministers.
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in case about war memorial cross
The Bladensburg Peace Cross, which bears the names of 49 men who died in World War I, is on land now owned by a Maryland government commission.
Southern Baptist leaders address reports showing decades of sexual abuse
“It’s time for pervasive change,” said SBC president J. D. Greear.
White House expands birth control exemptions for employers, schools
The new rules extend to institutions with religious or moral objections to providing insurance that covers contraception—but not to publicly traded businesses, government agencies, or government-funded health centers.
White House initiative aims to increase faith groups' presence in government
The White House said agencies and executive departments that do not have a faith-based office will have a designated liaison to the new initiative.
Black Church Food Security Network brings fresh food to Baltimore
A group of Baltimore congregations is connecting with black farmers to promote healthy eating and economic empowerment.
Black liberation theologian James Cone dies at 79
In portraying Christ’s blackness, he upended the assumptions of a field dominated by white theologians and helped spawn other theories of liberation.
U.S. Assemblies of God elects first woman executive in more than a century
Donna L. Barrett is stepping into a top leadership role in the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination.
NCC draws faith groups to antiracism event
The ecumenical National Council of Churches has also launched a Truth and Racial Justice Initiative, “a nationwide accounting of how churches and their leaders have been complicit in, and have perpetuated, racism in America.”
Cleophus Smith, a Memphis sanitation worker and minister, keeps up fight for rights
Smith is one of the surviving workers whose strike brought Martin Luther King Jr. to Tennessee in 1968.
Campus pastor's suspension intensifies denomination's gay marriage debate
Several Evangelical Covenant clergy are facing discipline for participating in a same-sex wedding. Thousands of people connected to the denomination are petitioning for a moratorium on such actions.
Hurricane-damaged houses of worship can receive FEMA aid
The disaster relief agency cited the Supreme Court's Trinity Lutheran decision in changing its policy.
Harriet Tubman’s Canadian church seeks help for repairs
Visitors provide income for the congregation, but it needs further funds to address its shifting foundation.
Emanuel AME pastor Eric Manning shows solidarity with Sutherland Springs
“Though the motives may be different the result is the same: you have now two congregations who have gone through a tremendous amount of hatred and evil within their sacred spaces.”
Study finds strong link between religious giving and going to worship
People who attend services once a month or more give ten times more than those who attend less often, according to a recent study.
Life in a fishbowl: Survey reveals stresses and joys of pastors’ spouses
Despite the challenges, a majority of those married to clergy report satisfaction with their lives.
Survey offers data for worldview of Trump voters
Baylor researchers found that 81 percent of Trump voters see Middle Eastern refugees as a threat.
Washington National Cathedral to remove windows honoring Confederate generals
The cathedral removed glass panels depicting the Confederate flag a year ago.
Clergy march in Washington against white supremacy
The protest focusing on hate crimes, mass incarceration, and discrimination received larger support after Charlottesville.
Tillerson says protecting targets of ISIS is U.S. religious freedom priority
The secretary of state cited the militant group's attacks on Middle Eastern religious minorities.