US

In new letter, US evangelical leaders support Israel\'s right to self-defense
In new letter, US evangelical leaders support Israel's right to self-defense

Southern Baptists and other evangelical leaders call on policymakers to protect the lives of innocents and say Hamas is the enemy, not Palestinians.

Practising Christians more likely to be 'spiritually open' than non-Christians, study finds
Practising Christians more likely to be 'spiritually open' than non-Christians, study finds

As America's religious landscape grows more syncretic and the population's connection to Christianity continues to weaken, data from a recent Barna study shows that practising Christians are more spiritually "open" or interested in exploring other spiritual traditions than non-Christians or Christians who don't practise their faith.

Christian homeschooling family who fled to US face deportation after 15 years
Christian homeschooling family who fled to US face deportation after 15 years

A German family that fled to the United States over 15 years ago after being fined thousands for homeschooling their children may be deported within the next few weeks, the advocacy group representing them says.

'America no longer the safe haven' for persecuted Christians, says Open Doors
'America no longer the safe haven' for persecuted Christians, says Open Doors

"Recent shifts in U.S. policy reveal that America is no longer the safe haven for displaced persons that it once was,"

Episcopal Church lost over 90K members in 2022, but worship attendance increased: report
Episcopal Church lost over 90K members in 2022, but worship attendance increased: report

The US Episcopal Church saw a decline of over 90,000 members in 2022, but also witnessed a considerable increase in Sunday worship attendance, according to a new report.

Christian marriage clerk told to pay $100k damages in same-sex case
Christian marriage clerk told to pay $100k damages in same-sex case

A former county clerk is to appeal after a jury ruled she should pay $100,000 in damages over her refusal to sign a same-sex marriage licence.

Survey: Mainline clergy are more liberal than their congregants
Survey: Mainline clergy are more liberal than their congregants

Mainline clergy are more supportive than their congregants of LGBTQ rights, more likely to have opposed the overturn of Roe v. Wade and less likely to believe America is in danger of losing its culture and identity.

Activists want age verification on Bible content
Activists want age verification on Bible content

Is the Bible a source of adult content? A group of internet activists believes so.

Christian parents are failing to pass on the faith to their children, says Christian researcher
Christian parents are failing to pass on the faith to their children, says Christian researcher

"Most parents, even born-again parents, do not really think the spiritual component of their child's life is a big deal," writes George Barna in his new book.

Study reveals key role of faith-based organisations in treating substance use
Study reveals key role of faith-based organisations in treating substance use

Religious groups have long played a role in reaching out to those in need, and according to a new study from the University of Kansas (KU) and Georgetown University, their place alongside the most vulnerable shows no signs of diminishing.

'The Great Dechurching' explores America's religious exodus
'The Great Dechurching' explores America's religious exodus

A new study looks at why millions of Americans left church — and what might bring them back.

Bishop Michael Curry responds to complaints of \'free passes\' for accused bishops
Bishop Michael Curry responds to complaints of 'free passes' for accused bishops

At least 55 Episcopal bishops signed a letter saying they are 'angered by and deeply concerned about the perception — or the reality — that bishops get a free pass on behavioral issues.'

Study suggests looming succession crisis as aging pastors prepare to retire
Study suggests looming succession crisis as aging pastors prepare to retire

As American pastors continue to skew older, with an average age of 52, a majority now say it is becoming increasingly difficult to find mature young Christians willing to do their jobs as they prepare to retire, data from a new Barna study shows.

1 in 6 churchgoers have had, paid for or encouraged an abortion, survey finds
1 in 6 churchgoers have had, paid for or encouraged an abortion, survey finds

"Christians might be surprised to learn that around 17% of female churchgoers have had an abortion, and 15% of male churchgoers have paid for or actively encouraged someone to get an abortion."

White Christians think too many people see racism when it\'s not there, new survey finds
White Christians think too many people see racism when it's not there, new survey finds

A new survey from Pew Research revealed once again how deeply divided religious Americans are when it comes to matters of race.

Federal judge denies religious parents\' request to opt kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons
Federal judge denies religious parents' request to opt kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons

The year-long battle between MCPS and the families is not over yet, as the judge still needs to hear the full case before making a final decision.