Africa rises, China falls on Christian persecution list

WASHINGTON (RNS) — The persecution of Christians “vastly rose” in 2012 as radical Islamists consolidated power in Africa, according to Open Doors, a Christian missionary organization that publishes an annual list of offending nations. Increasing threats to African Christians can be…

'Virtual' public schools draw interest of religious families

(RNS) — Worried about exposure to foul language, immodest dress, peer pressure, and other inappropriate behavior, Susan Brown didn’t want her two daughters attending public schools — even though she’s a substitute teacher in a public school in Minnesota. Brown initially…

Church of England OKs (celibate) gay bishops

CANTERBURY, England (RNS) — The Church of England confirmed Jan. 4 that it has dropped its prohibition on gay clergy in civil partnerships becoming bishops — but only if they agree to remain celibate. Speaking on behalf of the Church’s House…

LCMS Illinois district presidents sign letter supporting traditional definition of marriage, religious freedom

ST. LOUIS—January 4, 2013—In advance of an anticipated vote in the Illinois Senate on a same-sex “marriage” law, the three Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Illinois district presidents joined Roman Catholic, Muslim and Mormon church leaders in signing an open letter to Illinois lawmakers in support of the traditional definition of marriage and religious freedom.

Illinois district presidents sign letter supporting traditional marriage

By Vicki Biggs           In advance of an anticipated vote in the Illinois Senate on a same-sex “marriage” law, three LCMS Illinois district presidents joined Roman Catholic, Muslim and Mormon church leaders in signing an open letter to Illinois lawmakers in…

Harrison authors new translation of Luther's essay on prayer

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has authored a new translation of Martin Luther’s brief essay on prayer, A Simple Way to Pray. Luther wrote the essay about his approach to prayer in 1535 after his barber and friend, Peter…

Grolls to be honored by Wheat Ridge

The Rev. Dr. Douglas and Marlene Groll of Chicago are among six Lutherans who will be recognized with “Seeds of Hope Awards” from Wheat Ridge Ministries at the organization’s 14th Annual Benefit Dinner, March 2 in Addison, Ill. The event…

Comfort Dogs bring solace to Sandy Hook students

By Kim Plummer Krull Will Luther, Moses and Isaiah be at school, too? Callers didn’t necessarily ask about the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs by their individual names, but that’s who they meant when they contacted Sandy Hook Elementary School as classes prepared…

God 'works through dogs' to comfort returning Sandy Hook students

By Kim Plummer Krull Will Luther, Moses and Isaiah be at school, too? Callers didn’t necessarily ask about the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs by their individual names, but that’s who they meant when they contacted Sandy Hook Elementary School as classes prepared…

St. Louis neighborhood to benefit from $50,000 grant

The historic College Hill neighborhood on St. Louis’ north side is getting a $50,000 boost through a 2012 Wells Fargo grant program designed to help stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods hard-hit by the economy. The money is being donated to LCMS National…

Russell Moore: why adoption is a 'pro-life' policy for evangelicals

(RNS) — Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky., recently talked with Religion News Service about why adoption has become his personal cause and why more evangelicals should be joining him. As…

Police recover Bible stolen from LCMS church

ST. LOUIS (RNS) — A scruffy-looking man walked up and down St. Louis’ antiques row trying to peddle an old Bible to store owners, but several thought something was amiss. Kenez Jakovac of Hammonds Books said he felt the same way,…