Small talk and big talk

“Small talk” is a vital part of every congregation’s life. We greet one another after worship, commenting on sports and gardens and..

Outlook Features

Navigating the ‘narrow ridge’ between curiosity and conviction

The vast majority of independent, private institutions of higher learning in the U.S. were established by the church. Hundreds of historically Protestant..

Book Reviews

Bookmark – The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential

The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential by N.T. Wright HarperOne. San Francisco. 196 pages. Is there anyone writing today..

Movie Reviews

Film in review – “Blue Caprice”

“Blue Caprice” is a chilling film. It’s a low-budget, under-hyped, starkly real story of the two still-anonymous men who became the 2002..

Movie Reviews

Film in review – “Romeo And Juliet”

It’s quite an undertaking to do the original Shakespeare play in the olde Elizabethan English and to do so with quality..

Movie Reviews

Film in review – “The Fifth Estate”

As a flag-waving United States citizen who also happens to be a journalist, I watched this film with a great deal of..

Religion News Service

Could Pope Francis make women cardinals? A pipe dream, and an opening

(RNS) Could a woman vote for the next pope? Pope Francis has said repeatedly that he wants to see greater roles for..

Religion News Service

God in Gotham: 16 Christians making a difference in New York City

In New York City, everything is always changing all time. From the skyline to the weather to transient residents jumping from neighborhood..

Voices

A simple walk can be a game-changer

It has happened again. Getting out into the community is a game-changer. For several years, I have been working with declining churches..

Religion News Service

Hispanics increasingly identify as ‘nones’

(RNS) The number of Hispanic-Americans who say they adhere to no religion is growing and now rivals the number of Hispanic..

Religion News Service

Beyond ‘Kony 2012′: Jason Russell’s attempt at a comeback

ATLANTA (RNS) A campaign to arrest an African warlord generated awareness in more ways than the effort’s co-founder Jason Russell could have..

Voices

Don’t talk to me about the resurrection

The Oak Tree at the Entrance to Blackwater Pond – Mary Oliver Everyday on my way to the pond I pass the..

Voices

Adventures of a call search, part 1: Confidentiality vs. conflict avoidance

I recently began a new call which means I am fresh out of what we Presbyterians call “the call process.” It is..

Presbyterian News Service

PC(USA) sponsoring November food stamp challenge

LOUISVILLE (PNS) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages families and individuals across the country to take theSNAP/Food Stamp Challenge Nov. 17-23. Participants in the..

Presbyterian News Service

Faith leaders march on Congress

WASHINGTON (PNS) Tuesday (Oct. 15), as the U.S. House of Representatives continued to wrangle today over the impasse that has closed the..

Presbyterian News Service

A time for every (re)purpose under Heaven

ASTORIA, N.Y. The Rev. Don Olinger (left) receives a plaque depicting the "new" Presbyterian Church of Astoria. —Jim Nedelka If you were..

Religion News Service

Suzan Johnson Cook to resign as religious freedom ambassador

WASHINGTON (RNS) Suzan Johnson Cook, the State Department’s ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, will announce this week that she is resigning after..

Religion News Service

Mainline Protestants: Vintage or vibrant?

WASHINGTON (RNS) Who are the mainline Protestants today? Vintage Protestants? The VPCC — Vanishing Progressive Christian Church? The Legacy Church? Half a..

Voices