A segment of the Christian churches has long viewed the idea of government support for faith-based social services warily, believing accepting public funds will compromise their religious mission. Now a related concern of unpopular and alternative religious groups receiving such support is adding another obstacle to widespread acceptance of this program. This is seen in […]
Young Catholics — Relativist and committed?
A new study of young American Catholics suggests religious relativism doesn’t necessarily weaken commitment to a faith, that there is not a large influx of Hispanics out of the church, and that GenX Catholics are not much different than baby boomers. The current issue of Visions (November/December), a newsletter on demography for churches, discusses the findings of […]
On/File: February 2001
01: The Center for Progressive Christianity represents a unique attempt to market liberal Christianity and make it “user-friendly” to both church members and seekers. The founding of CPC was inspired by the liberal and critical religious views of retired Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong and is based at the Episcopal Divinity School in Boston. Its purpose is […]
Findings & Footnotes: February 2001
01: New York City has often been viewed as an exception to religious America, much in the same way that Europe becomes peculiarly secular compared to the rest of the world. That assessment of the U.S.’ largest city should be rethought with the recent publication of New York Glory: Religions in the City (NYU Press, $19.50) edited by […]
Divorce rate grows among Israeli Jews and Orthodox change policy
The divorce rate for Israeli Jewish couples has reached about 38 percent and projections are that the trends can reach 50 percent within a few years, reports the Jerusalem Post newspaper (Jan. 11). In the year 2000 there were 9,153 couples divorced compared to 8,773 in 1999, an increase of about 4.5 percent, which is in keeping […]
Chastity movement imported to Africa
The chastity movement started by evangelicals in the U.S. is spreading to Africa and gaining an ecumenical following. The Long Island Catholic (Jan. 31) reports that young Africans are signing strict chastity pledges to avoid AIDS and the promiscuity of their peers. True Love Waits Kenya is a non-denominational movement, although it has received substantial funding from […]
Generation X believers gather outside church walls in Europe
There has been much talk about GenX and their different approach to faith and worship in the U.S., but it is in Europe that this generation is reported to be starting many small informal fellowships removed from traditional churches and denominations, according to Religion Today.com. With ministry names such as Tribal Generation, Jesus Freak, 24-7 [see […]
Faith-based social service approved in theory if not in practice in UK
The movement to channel welfare through faith-based organizations that has been so prominent in the U.S. is also gaining support and generating controversy in Britain. The British charismatic magazine Renewal (January) reports that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Conservative Party leader William Hague have pressed for new partnerships with the voluntary sector to deal with problems such […]
Militant Rastafarianism shakes Caribbean
A recent violent attack against a Catholic Church in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia by Rastafarians points to a more militant mood among Rasta believers, reports the Los Angeles Times (Jan. 7). In early January, Rastafarians attacked a church in Castries, St. Lucia, torching a dozen parishioners that resulted in two deaths, and setting fire to […]
Current Research: February 2001
01: There is a growing openness toward religious perspectives on campuses today, whether church-related or secular, according to a recently completed 10-year study by the Lilly Endowment. The study, which surveyed faculty and staff about their perceptions of religion on campus, found that 60 percent report a new openness toward religion, with 58 percent saying there […]
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