MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Music Committee is responsible for the overall operation of music ministry.

2014 members are:

Cerise Johnson

Linda Dally

Patricia Gray

Renae France

Deremius Williams

David Sherman

Geraldine Jones

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With Joy You Will Draw Water
Advent promises a great reversal! The lion will dwell with the lamb. The desert will blossom and bloom. And there will be great joy!
God Loves a Grouchy Giver
I have no patience for useless gifts. Cheerful giving comes easier to me than grateful receiving. So in December, I pray for more patience with presents.
The E Word
Tell people about the deep wells of joy that faith gives you to draw upon. Tell someone about the times in your life when God has meant the difference between life and death.
Are You the One?
Maybe some messiah will arrive someday who agrees that lying on the couch playing solitaire on my phone all day is exactly what they meant by sabbath.
Daydreamers
With nightmares permeating both day and night, it is easy for the words on our tongues to sour. But the beckoning of Advent is to be filled up with God’s dream so we sing with joy.

Christmas Fund aids many small-church retirees, surviving spouses
The Rev. Julia Proctor pastored small churches in for years, until her health forced her to retire on a small pension. Now she is grateful for the help she receives because of an offering many United Church of Christ congregations will gather this month.
Commentary: Our Words and Actions are Incongruent
What lessons are we hoping to teach our children when, day after day, they are confronted with terror and trauma-inducing events conveying that human life is not precious, despite adults saying it is?
Asheville church re-imagines community on its property
A village of micro homes is going up on the property of a planted United Church of Christ congregation in Asheville, N.C., part of a collaborative effort to share resources with those who share the same values.
Community refugee support sways vote of North Dakota county poised to refuse resettlement
People of faith in Bismarck, N.D., convinced their local county commissioners this week that welcoming refugees to their community is right thing to do. Area religious leaders have long been building relationships with their resettled neighbors and with each other.

American Jesus
What would it mean for Christians to find their identity in Christ with an understanding of Christ’s lowliness?
Sidewalk Angels
There have been instances when I have encountered “challenges” and no “sidewalk angel” has appeared. This time one did.
You Too
You touched without permission. You silenced with intention. You were the problem. You are the problem.
Ready, Willing and Able for Peace
When the President told the United Nations that the United States was “ready, willing and able” for such destruction, he meant my husband.
The Lie of White Supremacy
White supremacy is a lie. It prompts us to indulge the theologically, socially, and economically unjustifiable.

Experience matters. ‘Mayor Pete’ is banking on ideals mattering more.
Pete Buttigieg would not only be the youngest president in history but also the first to be elected straight from a mayoral post.
‘Thou shalt not steal’: Even someone else’s joy, says one educator
Catera Scott works to ensure that intangibles such as hope and opportunities are there for others. Part of a series on the Decalogue in modern life.
In one swing district, impeachment hasn’t swayed voters – yet
As the drama of impeachment vote unfolds in Washington, what are voters thinking about? In California’s Orange County, it’s local issues.
Rhode Island lawsuit: Students sue for the right to learn civics
A federal case in Rhode Island, brought by parents and students, tests the ideals of equal opportunity and participatory democracy.
Will Bloomberg’s big spending scramble the Democratic contest?
The former New York mayor is pouring money into TV ads and building ground operations. In a race with no clear frontrunner, he may have an opening.

San Francisco Hopes To Improve Care For People With Mental Illness Living On Streets
Dr. Anton Nigusse Bland, a veteran of public health psychiatry, was appointed by San Francisco’s mayor earlier this year to a newly created job: director of mental health reform. His main task is to improve mental health and addiction treatment for people experiencing homelessness.
In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out?
The opioid epidemic is intergenerational, with tens of thousands of babies born every year dependent on opioids. Advocates worry that settlement dollars resulting from lawsuits against the drug industry might not benefit these children.
Some Rejoice Over New California Health Insurance Subsidies. Others Get Shut Out.
There’s something new in this year’s Covered California open-enrollment period: Consumers are learning whether they will qualify for new state-funded financial aid. The results are mixed, with some scoring hundreds of dollars per month and others nothing.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Legislate-A-Palooza
The House passed legislation that would give federal workers 12 weeks of paid parental leave. The measure appears headed for passage in the Senate, and President Donald Trump has promised to sign the measure into law. Meanwhile, House and Senate lawmakers have a tentative deal on surprise medical bills, but don’t count on a compromise […]
‘An Arm And A Leg’: Can They Freaking Do That?!?
Introducing a new segment on “An Arm and a Leg” podcast: “Can They Freaking Do That?!?” We take your most vexing medical bill questions and hunt down information and experts who can help.

Camel, Cow, Donkey Found Wandering Through Kansas Cast In Live Nativity
The animal trio made headlines last month when the Goddard Police Department asked for help locating the owners of the “three friends traveling together (towards a Northern star).”
Trump's Anti-Semitism Order Prompts Tough Questions Among Jewish Groups
The World Jewish Congress, the Anti-Defamation League and several other American Jewish groups praised the order, but more liberal-leaning groups were critical.
Black Hebrew Israelites In Spotlight After Jersey City Attacks
Not all sects of the fringe movement spew hateful rhetoric, but some Black Hebrew Israelites subscribe to an extreme set of anti-Semitic beliefs.
Hasidic Jews Moved To Jersey City For A Nicer Life. They Became Targets.
Satmar Jews' distinctive way of dressing is integral to practicing their faith ― but at the same time, it makes them targets for anti-Semitism.
Officials Say Jersey City Shooting Fueled By Hatred Of Jews, Police
Investigators recovered hundreds of shell casings and five firearms at the kosher market attack site, authorities said.

Southern New England Board Takes Historic Steps
The Southern New England Conference Board of Directors took a series of votes on Saturday, Dec. 7, to approve the founding documents and policies that will govern the new Conference being formed by the unification of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences. On the surface, it was dry stuff. And not controversial - there […]
Delegate Counts Will Change for Some Churches
Delegates from all three conferences at the November Annual Meeting. The formation of the Southern New England Conference is bringing about a lot of changes, and one may be how many delegates churches should be electing to attend Annual Meeting. According to the bylaws of the new Conference, churches with between 0 and 300 members […]
Clergy Celebrate 25 and 50 Year Ordinations
More than 75 people gathered at the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury on December 5 to celebrate the 25th & 50th ordination anniversaries of authorized ministers who have guided churches and congregations, been leaders in the Conference, and who have been chaplains and educators in their communities. The celebration included a special lunch, presentations of […]
Ruth Choate Is New Administrator at Silver Lake
By Jennifer Kronholm Clark SHARON – Silver Lake Conference Center is excited to welcome Ruth Choate to the year-round staff as Administrator. Say hi to Ruth Choate, the new Administrator at Silver Lake, when you call or come to camp. If you were at camp in summer 2019, you might recognize Ruth. She served on the […]

Who are Black Hebrew Israelites?
(RNS) — On Tuesday (Dec. 10), two men opened fire on a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey, ultimately leaving four dead and three wounded in the shooting spree. One of the shooters had ties with the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, which includes organizations labeled as hate groups, in part due to some members voicing […]
RNS Updated Budget — Friday, December 13, 2019
NEWS STORY RNS-Koch-Petition: Over 10,000 Christians petition Boston College to reject Koch grant BOSTON (RNS) – More than 10,000 Christians have signed a petition urging officials at Boston College to ... The post RNS Updated Budget — Friday, December 13, 2019 appeared first on Religion News Service.
‘You’ve got to call out evil,’ says pastor of church with Nativity scene separated in cages
CLAREMONT, Calif. (RNS) — Claremont United Methodist Church is taking security measures after its Nativity scene showing Jesus, Mary and Joseph as refugees in cages has garnered widespread attention. The post ‘You’ve got to call out evil,’ says pastor of church with Nativity scene separated in cages appeared first on Religion News Service.
The stubborn faithfulness of liberal Mormons
(RNS) — Liberal Mormons aren't clamoring for women's rights or LGBTQ equality because we oppose the church; we do so because we took the church at its word. The post The stubborn faithfulness of liberal Mormons appeared first on Religion News Service.
Reform Jews call for reparations for slavery
(RNS) — The resolution is the first such effort on the part of an American Jewish organization but has precedent among some Protestant groups. The post Reform Jews call for reparations for slavery appeared first on Religion News Service.

Climate Refugees: Climate-Fueled Drought, Sea Level Rise, Storms & Fires Displace Millions Worldwide
A new report reveals how long-term disasters, including sea level rise and desertification, and short-term disasters, such as storms and fires, are especially threatening to people living in the Global South and island nations. We speak with the co-author of a new study that finds the climate crisis is already leading to a massive increase […]
COP25: Developing Countries Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Plans as Rich Countries Drag Their Feet
As this year's United Nations climate summit wraps up in Madrid, Spain, many activists, scientists, indigenous and grassroots climate leaders say that rich countries most responsible for the climate emergency have spent the talks dialing back ambition and blocking progress. This comes as deadly droughts, flooding, cyclones and wildfires rage around the world. This week, […]
"Dark Day for Everyone Who Believes in Justice": U.K. Tories Defeat Labour in Landslide Election
The British Conservative Party has won a decisive majority in Thursday's general election, winning seats in Labour Party strongholds and paving the way for Britain's exit from the European Union by January 31. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is projected to have 364 seats in the House of Commons compared to Labour's 203 seats. That would […]
Headlines for December 13, 2019
Conservative Party Wins Landslide Victory in U.K. Elections, House Judiciary Committee to Vote on 2 Articles of Impeachment Today, Algeria: Thousands Protest Thursday's Presidential Election, Aung San Suu Kyi Asks ICJ to Drop Genocide Case Against Burma, India: Police Kill 2 People in Assam Amid Protests over Citizenship Bill, Thousands of Iraqis Gather in Tahrir […]
Marshall Islands Climate Activist Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner Shares a Poem for Survival as Sea Levels Rise
Located in the central Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines, the Marshall Islands are one of the world’s lowest-lying island nations and declared a national climate crisis emergency in October. “We’re looking at changing the entire physical landscape of our island so we can stay above water,” says Marshall Islands poet and climate activist […]

Class, Culture And Sexual Identity Take Center Stage In 'Girl, Woman, Other'
Bernardine Evaristo's nuanced and entertaining Booker Prize-winning novel is told from the point of view of 12 British women of color — all just a few degrees of separation apart from each other.
Wanda Sykes Loves Stand-Up: That's Where 'I Can Be Free,' She Says
Before Sykes became a comic, she worked at the NSA and had top security clearance. Now she takes on the president in her Emmy-nominated Netflix special Not Normal. Originally broadcast Aug. 1, 2019.
In 'Medicare For All,' Health Care Is Seen As A 'Critical Service'
New York Times investigative reporter Sarah Kliff talks about the costs and challenges of switching to a universal healthcare system — and what it might mean to eliminate private insurance entirely.
Crooked Capitalism Runs Amok In The Wildly Entertaining 'Uncut Gems'
A tense and jittery new crime thriller features Adam Sandler as a fast-talking New York City jewelry dealer who becomes embroiled in various desperate schemes to get out of debt.
'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of
The late-night host says that hosting a podcast allows him to "mind meld" with guests in a way he can't on TV: "We can just go down a deep, deep, deep well." Originally broadcast Oct. 2, 2019.

British Evangelicals Brace for Brexit
Politics remain divisive, but churches seek unity in prayer. British evangelicals are divided over Brexit. The January 31 deadline for the nation’s departure from the European Union is fast approaching, and Thursday’s elections gave the Conservative Party a historic victory and “a powerful new mandate to get Brexit done,” according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. […]
Senate’s Genocide Vote Not the Only Good News for Armenian Christians
In addition to historic recognition by US lawmakers, this week a new patriarch was finally elected in Istanbul, Turkey. Following years of frustration, Armenian Christians worldwide received a double blessing this week. For the first time in its history, the US Senate recognized the Armenian Genocide. And after 11 years of practical vacancy, the Armenian […]
Our Favorite New Christian Christmas Albums of the Year
Mix up your holiday listening with releases from Phil Wickham, Audrey Assad, and others. If your Christmas playlist needs another voice—someone besides Mariah Carey to get you in the spirit of the season—there are plenty of varieties of carols, hymns, and festive tunes to choose from. Even the newest Christian Christmas albums offer a shiny […]
Lies Pastors Believe, Part Two
Before we look at strategy or plans, let’s first look to Jesus and to what he wants to do in and through us. After all, he led us into ministry, and he can give us the strength and guidance to help us continue, and finish well, no matter how long the journey ahead. In the […]
Is the Wisdom of Mary Unique for a Teenager?
Psychology suggests why we shouldn't look down on the faith of the young. A version of this article was first published in the Advent Series from Science in the Church. To sign up for content like this, please visit the website. “A 14-year-old girl is pregnant. What should she, what should one, consider and do?” […]

2 Dead in Protests Over India’s Religion-Based Citizenship Bill
Demonstrators defied troops and a curfew after the bill, which would make it easier for some non-Muslim migrants to become citizens, was approved in Parliament.
Does the Left Need Organized Religion?
A reader says progressives are doing fine without it, and another points out that the Catholic left is often overlooked. Also: Young scholars shouldn’t have to serve as waiters at writers’ retreats.
Thanks, Mom and Dad
In the season of gratitude, several successful people reflect on what they most appreciate learning from their parents.
Inside the War for California’s Cannabis Churches
Illegal marijuana dispensaries outnumber legal ones more than three to one in California. What’s the role of the cannabis church?
How Churches Fight the Stigma of H.I.V.
In the South, black houses of worship are reducing the social suffering of H.I.V. with an approach that recalls Dr. King’s teachings.

The Scientific and Ethical Elements of Human Enhancement
Human enhancement may be just around the corner. How do Americans view these emerging technologies that may one day enhance our human capabilities? The post The Scientific and Ethical Elements of Human Enhancement appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
U.S. Public Wary of Biomedical Technologies to ‘Enhance’ Human Abilities
Americans are more worried than enthusiastic about using gene editing, brain chip implants and synthetic blood to change human capabilities The post U.S. Public Wary of Biomedical Technologies to ‘Enhance’ Human Abilities appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
American Voices on Ways Human Enhancement Could Shape Our Future
Focus group participants discuss biomedical developments that could boost the performance of people’s bodies and brains The post American Voices on Ways Human Enhancement Could Shape Our Future appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
Human Enhancement
The scientific and ethical dimensions of striving for perfection The post Human Enhancement appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
Video: Are science and religion in conflict with each other?
A majority of the public says science and religion often conflict, but fewer say science conflicts with their own beliefs. And highly religious Americans are less likely than others to see conflict between faith and science. The post Video: Are science and religion in conflict with each other? appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, […]

Disaster recovery initiative UCC helped form is growing ecumenically
A pilot program to help communities launch long-term recovery following disasters is growing ecumenically. Over the past two years, the disaster ministries of the United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Church of the Brethren have joined forces to pioneer the Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI) in nine states and U.S. territories. Now […]
North Carolina hurricane recovery work sites now receiving volunteers
Volunteers are now being accepted to repair and rebuild homes in Eastern North Carolina. Hurricanes Dorian (2019), Florence (2018), and Matthew (2016) caused severe flooding and wind damage. There are 15 centers accepting volunteers of all skill levels to help repair homes affected by natural disasters.
Help for home and livelihoods restoration after Typhoon Hagibis in Japan
UCC Disaster Ministries just contributed $10,000 toward an ecumenical response through CWS Japan to assist 1,000 families with home and livelihood restoration, volunteer mobilization to clear debris, and capturing of lessons learned for reducing risk in the disasters that are sure to follow as climate change brings more unprecedented destructive weather.
UCC Disaster Ministries aids children displaced by Dorian
UCC Disaster Ministries has contributed $15,000 to support care for 25 orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned children evacuated from Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian destroyed the Children’s Home there.

Protect Human Rights in the Philippines
On November 5, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) was included on the list of “front organizations of local communist terrorist groups” presented to the Philippines House Intelligence Committee by the Department of National Defense (DND). The NCCP was one among several humanitarian and service-oriented organizations on the list that the government […]
3rd Thursday Action Alert: Tell Congress to Reject the Administration’s Reversal on the Illegality of Israeli Settlements
On November 18, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US no longer considers Israeli settlements inconsistent with international law, reversing a 1978 Department of State legal opinion that asserted that inconsistency, a position the US has affirmed since that time.
A Message of Hope from the YWCA of Palestine
The year 2019 has witnessed continued occupation, oppression and violence in Palestine with devastating impact on women, children and whole families.The Israeli occupation forces continue to strike the besieged Palestinians in the Gaza strip that has been under blockade for over 12 years now. They are also tightening their grip on Jerusalem and have closed […]
Register for a webinar on Palestinian childr detainees - December 17
Please join Brad Parker (Defense for Children International - Palestine) and #nowaytotreatachild campaign co-leader, Jennifer Bing (American Friends Service Committee), for a webinar on December 17 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. They will share updates on congressional advocacy efforts during 2019 and provide a glimpse into 2020. Click here to register for the webinar »

Just 11 more shopping days til Christmas
Holiday shopping season isn’t down to the wire quite yet, but it’s getting close. Today we’re gonna look at a couple ways shopping is changing: We call a mall manager to hear how the season’s going so far, then we hear from a retiree who went back to work for the app, Shipt. Plus, a […]
Welcome to Tariff Land
The dramatic cut of corn and soybean exports to China as a result of the current trade war was a big blow to American farmers, leaving them scattering to find different markets to make up the losses. But that’s easier said than done. The Trump administration has handed out billions in aid, but not every […]
Too many Americans are getting debt for Christmas
Several recent surveys found that a significant number of Americans don’t just feel the pressure to buy more, they also end up overspending during the holidays. Today, we do the numbers on who’s going into debt this season and why, along with some tips to avoid spending more than you can afford. Plus: What you […]
We have a deal, folks
House Democrats have reached an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement more than two years after the Trump administration started the process of renegotiating NAFTA. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. Plus: robotic produce pickers, the fight over irrigation water and a conversation with the first woman to run an American record company.
Remembering Paul Volcker
Former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker, who helped shape American economic policy for decades, died this morning. Today, we look over his impact on the economy, and recall the time he raised interest rates to 21.5%. Plus: A new innovation that could make recycling more efficient, how to make kids’ entertainment more diverse, and the […]

United but Not Uniform: Finding Faith at the Women’s Convention
Thousands of women gathered in Detroit over Halloween weekend for the Women’s Convention, a conference meant to build upon the energy of January’s Women’s March—the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Our Women and Girls Campaign Associate Jenna Barnett attended the gathering to learn what role faith played in this Convention. She was surprised by what […]
Black and DACAmented in the U.S.
With the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in limbo, our Associate Web Editor Dhanya Addanki talked to Patrice Lawrence and Mwewa Sumbwe of the UndocuBlack Network about what the end of DACA could mean. This network was founded by undocumented black immigrants who wanted to center the voices of black undocumented people that […]
Can Virtual Reality Rescue Humanity?
Video games have long been dismissed from mainstream audiences as shallow or immature, but can they be something more? Our multimedia editor JP Keenan traveled to the "Games For Change" festival to talk with game designers about the power of "empathy games" and learn about future of virtual reality to see if it's the game […]
How These Christian Activists Are Putting the Death Penalty on Trial
In January 2017, 18 anti-death penalty activists were arrested and taken to jail for protesting against the death penalty on the steps of the supreme court. On this episode, our Associate Web Editor, @dhanyaddanki, talks to three of the 18 arrested death penalty abolitionists about why they fight against capital punishment. @ShaneClaiborne, Derrick Wayne Jamison, and SueZann […]
You Can’t Mute All the Trolls: How to Be a Journalist in 2017
On today's episode, our deputy web editor @chwoodiwiss chats with with journalists @sullivanamy, @dawn_cherie, and @ayshabkhan about something journos usually don’t like talking about: when doing our job becomes too much. We discuss the public's rising suspicion of journalism, dealing with traumatic images, fending off Twitter hate, and—whew—why we still love the work. For more, read our companion piece in […]

Letters to the Editor (Resurrecting this Historical Section): Redefining Anthropology?
Editor’s Note The lifeblood of science and social science is competition among ideas in healthy debate testing scholarly standards and findings. In recent years, as standards have begun to disappear in social science and as journals begin to advocate for doctrine in place of social science and discipline, the opportunity to challenge colleagues (and editors) […]
Returning Discipline to the Discipline: A Model Procedure for Reviews in Anthropology, Social Sciences, and Other Related Disciplines
This piece uses participant observation of and research into disciplinary procedures to reveal that review policies in anthropology, other ‘social sciences’, and related disciplines have become arbitrary and politicised with little to protect professional standards of a discipline and to avoid conflicts of interest that prejudice scholarship. To address the problem, this piece takes the […]
The Nonsense and Non-Science of Political Science: A Politically Incorrect View of ‘Poly-T(r)ic(k)s’
The purpose of this short essay is to highlight the failures in contemporary Political Science by sketching a small model of what the discipline would look like if it were in fact a “discipline” driven by scientific questions and methods responsive to public benefit rather than to indoctrination and control. Rather than simply accept, on […]
An International Legal Scholar’s View on “Is Economics in Violation of International Law? Remaking Economics as a Social Science”
An Ecological Economist’s View on “Is Economics in Violation of International Law? Remaking Economics as a Social Science”
Introduction Is mainstream economics with its many theories and recommendations compatible with international law, such as the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007) or the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development of 1992 (UN Rio Declaration, 1992)? Are globally renowned universities teaching economics in ways that violate international law? Can […]

It’s A Wonderful Life
Click for details The post It’s A Wonderful Life appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2019 Unity Campaign
2019 Unity Campaign: September 11-22 2019 Click Here to Make A On-Line Donation to this year’s campaign Why Is The Unity Campaign So Important? Our Goal is $30,000- Your gift will be boosted by matching funds The post 2019 Unity Campaign appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
Newsletter: Summer 2018
Download Our Summer Newsletter Here The post Newsletter: Summer 2018 appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2019 Run (or Walk) for Shelter
Thank you for supporting the 11th Annual Run (or Walk) for Shelter! For Finisher Times-Click Here The post 2019 Run (or Walk) for Shelter appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2017 Report to the Community
2017 Report to the Community 2017 was a huge year of growth for us! We turned over a new leaf aesthetically and internally. We hired new talent, and we keep developing in fresh and innovative ways. We expanded programs and pruned old ideas. Our energy was put into changing and growing, moving towards sustainability and longevity […]

5 facts about crime in the U.S.
Both violent and property crime in the U.S. have declined over the long term, but Americans regularly say crime is up. The post 5 facts about crime in the U.S. appeared first on Pew Research Center.
Far more immigration cases are being prosecuted criminally under Trump administration
The first full fiscal year of the Trump administration saw large increases in the number of people arrested and criminally prosecuted for immigration offenses. The post Far more immigration cases are being prosecuted criminally under Trump administration appeared first on Pew Research Center.
Only 2% of federal criminal defendants go to trial, and most who do are found guilty
Trials are rare in the federal criminal justice system: Just 2% of criminal defendants went to trial in 2018. Acquittals are even rarer. The post Only 2% of federal criminal defendants go to trial, and most who do are found guilty appeared first on Pew Research Center.
From police to parole, black and white Americans differ widely in their views of criminal justice system
Attitudes vary considerably by race on issues including crime, policing, the death penalty, parole decisions and voting rights. The post From police to parole, black and white Americans differ widely in their views of criminal justice system appeared first on Pew Research Center.
The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking
Blacks have long outnumbered whites in U.S. prisons. But a significant decline in the number of black prisoners has narrowed the gap. The post The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking appeared first on Pew Research Center.

PBS NewsHour: Russia’s war in Ukraine leads to historic split in the Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church in Ukraine has been under the authority of Moscow since 1686. Until the 2014 war with Russia, that situation bothered few. Now a growing number of congregations, approximately 500 so far, have joined a new independent Ukrainian … More → The post PBS NewsHour: Russia’s war in Ukraine leads to historic split […]
PBS NewsHour: Following Father Theodore Hesburgh through Civil Rights era
The new documentary, “Hesburgh,” explores the life of Father Theodore Hesburgh, who served as a long-time president of the University of Notre Dame and is recognized now as one of the most important civic and educational leaders of the 20th … More → The post PBS NewsHour: Following Father Theodore Hesburgh through Civil Rights era […]
VIDEO: California’s first Muslim judge on faith and public service
Justice Halim Dhanidina was recently elevated to California’s Courts of Appeal, making him the state’s most senior judge of Muslim faith. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent David Tereshchuk talks with Dhanidina about engaging with supporters and critics alike, and setting an … More → The post VIDEO: California’s first Muslim judge on faith and public service […]
America’s Foremost Muslim Judge
America’s Foremost Muslim Judge By David Tereshchuk It wasn’t exactly a surprise for Halim Dhanidina to get a call in 2012 from California Governor Jerry Brown’s office saying he’d been picked to serve as a judge on the state’s Superior … More → The post America’s Foremost Muslim Judge appeared first on Religion & Ethics […]
The relationship between science and religion
The friction between science and religion goes back centuries. While the conflict often lies in beliefs and research, the common ground between the two is sometimes left unexplored. Researchers dive deeper into this debate. The post The relationship between science and religion appeared first on Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

Camel, Cow, Donkey Found Wandering Through Kansas Cast In Live Nativity
The animal trio made headlines last month when the Goddard Police Department asked for help locating the owners of the “three friends traveling together (towards a Northern star).”
Trump's Anti-Semitism Order Prompts Tough Questions Among Jewish Groups
The World Jewish Congress, the Anti-Defamation League and several other American Jewish groups praised the order, but more liberal-leaning groups were critical.
Black Hebrew Israelites In Spotlight After Jersey City Attacks
Not all sects of the fringe movement spew hateful rhetoric, but some Black Hebrew Israelites subscribe to an extreme set of anti-Semitic beliefs.
Hasidic Jews Moved To Jersey City For A Nicer Life. They Became Targets.
Satmar Jews' distinctive way of dressing is integral to practicing their faith ― but at the same time, it makes them targets for anti-Semitism.
Officials Say Jersey City Shooting Fueled By Hatred Of Jews, Police
Investigators recovered hundreds of shell casings and five firearms at the kosher market attack site, authorities said.

Meet the Pastor Who Performs Exorcisms Over Skype
Evangelical Pastor Bob Larson performs physical exorcisms on people who believe they’re possessed by the devil. But because this is the 21st century, he also performs them over Skype. Larson has built a business by exorcising demons via video chat, using hand gestures–like crossing people’s foreheads by waving his pointer finger in front of the […]
We’re Gonna Let You Finish, Christianity, But Yeezianity Is The Best Religion OF ALL TIME
In a track off his 2013 album Yeezus, Kanye West requested that we a) hurry up with his damn croissants and then b) remember that he is a God. An anonymous group of people have taken that song pretty literally, it seems, because they’ve formed an official religion centered around Kanye called Yeezianity. According to its website, […]
Here’s an Interactive Birthday Card for the Pope’s 77th Birthday
People who visit the English version of the Vatican’s website today will see a 32-page interactive pop up that says “Best Wishes, Holy Father” in honor of Pope Francis’s 77th birthday, The Guardian reports. Viewers hear a “whoosh” sound as they click through this compilation of photos of the Pontiff and some of his most inspirational quotes […]
The Grand Canyon Will Make You Believe in God
Calling all churches, Planet Earth is your new marketing tool. Though the BBC’s nature-focused series is far from a religious promotional video, a new study shows that Americans who watch Planet Earth are more likely to believe in a god or a higher power, the Independent reports. In a new study published in the journal Psychological Science, scientists asked a […]
Atheists Embrace Megachurch-Style Services
While evangelical Christians are known for celebrating faith in God at mega-churches, now atheists are celebrating their lack of faith in God in a “mega-church” setting. The Associated Press profiled the Sunday Assembly, a movement started in London in January 2013 that’s spearheaded by two British comedians, Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, who are bringing atheists together in […]