CLEVELAND (RNS) — A pair of scissors transported across state lines has emerged as a controversial element in Ohio’s first case under a landmark 2009 federal law that expanded government powers to prosecute hate crimes. The case involves a dozen members…
Laborers spotlight building faith, fellowship, facilities for Christ
By Kim Plummer Krull More than 20 years ago, Linda Husfeld picked up a Laborers For Christ brochure at a Lutheran Women’s Missionary League conference and showed it to her husband, Rich. “This is something we would like to do when…
Seminaries invite high-school students to visit
Both of the Missouri Synod’s seminaries will hold visitation events for high-school students this summer. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host its 14th annual Vocatio June 23-28 on the seminary campus. The event is designed to identify, inform and encourage…
Two LCMS church fires called arson
Two LCMS church properties were damaged in fires over a three-day period in March. Both fires are reported to have been set by arsonists during early-morning hours. No injuries were reported. Information about possible motives is not available. In Buffalo,…
Seven LCMS schools gain 'exemplary' status
Seven LCMS schools were selected in March to receive the National Lutheran School Accreditation’s (NLSA) “exemplary status” recognition out of the 115 schools that it accredited or re-accredited in 2011. The schools are: Bethany Lutheran School, Parma, Ohio, Principal Ken…
Mexico earthquake: LCMS contacts partner church
In response to the earthquake in central Mexico March 20, the LCMS established telephone and email contact March 21 with President Alvaro Lopez of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico, a partner church of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Lopez told the…
Pastor says hospitality staff can't live by bread alone
SPOKANE, Wash. (RNS) — Kevin Finch grew up in meat-and-potatoes country, a small town off of Flathead Lake in western Montana. The only fine-dining restaurant there was half eatery/half bowling alley. Everything came out of the deep fryer. “It was…
Why is it so hard to do religion in prime time?
(RNS) — Many TV network executives, advertisers and producers would sell their souls to get the kind of audience God has. But giving religion a starring role in prime time? Not so much. Religion, God and spirituality have made cameos…
Atheists' slavery billboard raises tempers in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pa. (RNS) — The billboard is down, but the issue’s not gone. A billboard erected in one of the city’s most racially diverse neighborhoods featured an African slave with the biblical quote, “Slaves, obey your masters.” It lasted less…
Britain starts talks on legalizing gay marriage
CANTERBURY, England (RNS/ENInews) — The British government on March 15 launched a 12-week consultation that is widely expected to lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales, despite strong opposition from Catholics and some Anglicans. “Should two…
Priest defends denying Communion to lesbian
(RNS) — A Catholic priest who was pulled from ministry after a furor over denying Communion to a lesbian at her mother’s funeral insists he did the right thing and criticized the Washington archdiocese for disciplining him. “I did the…
As Rowan Williams retires, speculation turns to successor
LONDON (RNS) — Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said March 16 he will step down at the end of 2012, setting the stage for the unique process of government officials appointing the new leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Williams’…
Quebec parties challenge halal meat laws
TORONTO (RNS) — Two political parties in Quebec are speaking out against the ritual slaughter of meat, saying the practice runs counter to the province’s secular “values.” The opposition Parti Quebecois (PQ) on March 14 declared concerns about halal meat,…
'Ten Commandments Judge' poised to return to Alabama court
MOBILE, Ala. (RNS) — With 98 percent of state precincts counted, Roy Moore held on to 51 percent of the vote in his bid to retake his former job as chief justice of the state’s supreme court. Moore received 279,381…
Black Ministry Convocation set for July in Greensboro
The LCMS Southeastern District Coalition of Lutherans in Black Ministry is sponsoring a national Black Ministry Family Convocation July 11-15 at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. The convocation is the first to be held since the Synod’s…
March 22 webinar to aid rural/small-town ministries
LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) will hold a webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. (CT) Thursday, March 22. The presenter will be Sarah Guldalian, manager of Evangelism Training for Lutheran Hour Ministries, who will discuss “Social Networking Strategies…
