Emily McFarlan Miller
Religion NewsService
Chicago, IL, United States
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Meet the organization preserving and promoting the stories of Black Methodists
(RNS) — After funding from the United Methodist Church General Conference ended and in-person events were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAMHC is looking for donations in order to continue its work. → Read More
Loyola's Sister Jean captured hearts during March Madness. Now she's written a book.
CHICAGO (RNS) — At 103, Chicago’s beloved Catholic sister, best known simply as ‘Sister Jean,’ has added publishing a memoir to her list of achievements. → Read More
To be ordained, would-be PCUSA pastors had to interpret the worst story in the Bible
(RNS) Some are criticizing the mainline denomination’s choice to base its recent winter exegesis exam on the biblical story known as ‘The Levite’s Concubine.’ → Read More
Christian persecution higher than ever as Open Doors' World Watch List marks 30 years
(RNS) — North Korea has returned to the top of the World Watch List with its highest-ever persecution score after an increase of arrests of Christians under its ‘anti-reactionary thought’ law. → Read More
As smudging goes mainstream, concerns rise over appropriation, overharvesting
(RNS) — Along with the popularity of white sage comes concern about cultural appropriation, as well as overharvesting. → Read More
How the war in Ukraine dominated this year's online searches for Bible verses
(RNS) — YouVersion reported that users' engagement with the Bible rose by 55% this year in Ukraine, which neighboring Russia invaded in February. → Read More
Witches and wise men and 'old magic': A look at the spookier origins of Christmas lore
(RNS) — Pagans and Christians alike can rediscover the ‘reason for the season’ in the old stories and deepen their own beliefs. → Read More
With race in mind, Christians reconsider language of dark and light at Advent
(RNS) — ‘The idea that darkness is inherently bad needs no reinforcement,’ said one pastor. → Read More
What does healing look like to survivors of the US Indian boarding school system?
(RNS) — ‘A big aspect of the healing is going to be a sincere, heartfelt apology by the different denominations that participated,’ said one survivor. → Read More
RNS holiday gift guide 2022: Ideas for the kids, adults and Pastafarians on your list
(RNS) — Because not everybody celebrates a religious holiday in December, but everybody loves presents. → Read More
United Methodist Church announces date, location for thrice-postponed General Conference
(RNS) — The next General Conference will be held April 23 to May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. → Read More
Major Christian leaders asked Jan. 6 committee to investigate Christian nationalism
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘The ideology of Christian nationalism helped motivate and intensify the insurrection,’ read the letter to the committee, signed by the heads of several major denominations. → Read More
The jump-out-of-your-skin scares return in person, online at Halaloween film festival
(RNS) — Halaloween features horror films from across the globe that were made by, for or about Muslims. → Read More
When it comes to Halloween, pastors have opinions, according to new survey
(RNS) — More than 90% of pastors encourage their congregations to observe Oct. 31 in a particular way, but that ranges from avoiding Halloween completely to inviting people to Halloween-adjacent events at their churches. → Read More
What Biden's new deal for Venezuelans means for other refugees
(RNS) — Faith-based refugee resettlement agencies welcome the new program, while advocating for refugees who have gotten less media coverage of late. → Read More
Episcopal priest the Rev. David Sibley becomes four-time 'Jeopardy!' champion
(RNS) — ‘I’m just a nerdy trivia buff kind of guy who wanted to play ‘Jeopardy!’ all my life,’ said the Rev. David Sibley, who won nearly $80,000. → Read More
United Methodists' Native American International Caucus calls for end to Columbus Day
(RNS) — The caucus is asking Congress to approve several bills replacing the federal holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day. → Read More
Ahmadi Muslims inaugurate new mosque on site of historic 'prayer duel'
(RNS) — In a town built as a 'city of God,' the new Fath-e-Azeem Mosque sits within a block of two churches and a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. → Read More
Ojibwe author Patty Krawec writes about Indigenous peoples, Christians 'Becoming Kin'
(RNS) — Patty Krawec on why rethinking — or ‘unforgetting,’ as she calls it — history is important. → Read More
Brittany Muller combines Christianity and the cards in 'The Contemplative Tarot'
(RNS) — ‘The Contemplative Tarot’ explains the history of tarot and gives some examples of how Christians can incorporate the cards into their spiritual practice. → Read More