(RNS) — Seven congregations that broke with the Episcopal Church in 2006 over its liberal policies on homosexuality are not entitled to keep parish property estimated to be worth millions, a Virginia judge ruled on Jan. 10. The ruling by Fairfax…
Traveling repairmen help rebuild churches
MEMPHIS, N.Y. (RNS) — Brent Howard left his job as a home remodeler in Ohio in 2007, moved his young family into a trailer and began traveling to wherever he was needed. Over the past 4 1/2 years, he has helped…
Appeals court: Oklahoma Shariah ban unconstitutional
(RNS) — Oklahoma’s referendum against state judges considering Islamic law is unconstitutional, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Jan. 10, upholding a lower court ruling that had blocked the measure. The ruling could affect more than 20 other states where…
New White House staffers have Catholic, Jewish ties
(RNS) — President Obama on Jan. 10 named an immigration expert with longstanding ties to the Catholic Church as his top domestic policy official, continuing a campaign-year makeover of White House staff. The hiring of Cecilia Munoz, along with the appointment…
LCMS President Harrison reacts to unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling in support of Hosanna-Tabor
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), issued the following statement in reaction to the United States Supreme Court historic 9-0 decision today in favor of an LCMS church and school in Redford, Mich.
Unanimous Supreme Court ruling supports Hosanna-Tabor
By Paula Schlueter Ross The United States Supreme Court Jan. 11 issued an historic 9-0 decision in favor of a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod church and school in Redford, Mich. The decision marks the first time the Supreme Court has ruled that federal…
Williamson installed as chief mission officer
The Rev. Gregory K. Williamson, a native of Walters, Minn., was installed Jan. 9 to a three-year term as the Synod’s first chief mission officer. Preaching at the installation service, held in the chapel of the LCMS International Center in St. Louis,…
New from CPH: 'My First Hymnal' for kids
Concordia Publishing House has produced a hymnal that’s designed especially for children up to age 10. My First Hymnal features 52 hymns, including “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” “Amazing Grace,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Away in a…
First Operation Barnabas conference set for Feb. 15-16
The first-ever Operation Barnabas National Military Ministry Conference will be held Feb. 15-16 in Winter Haven, Fla. The conference is designed to provide an opportunity for Barnabas Chapter leaders from across the country to meet, share ideas and best practices,…
LHF offers new translations in Swahili, Chinese
The Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) recently announced that it began distributing in East Africa The Book of Concord translated into the Swahili language, and also that it has produced three versions of Luther’s Small Catechism in Chinese. In October, Bishop…
Hispanic roundtable discusses future efforts
By Elizabeth M. Truong On Dec. 8, the first Hispanic ministry roundtable group to gather in St. Louis in many years met at the LCMS International Center. Roundtable members discussed the possibilities for future Hispanic ministry in the St. Louis area and…
Vatican launches Catholic home for U.S. Episcopalians
(RNS) — American Episcopalians upset with their denomination’s acceptance of gay and female clergy can now convert to the Roman Catholic Church while keeping many cherished traditions in a special new U.S. diocese that was established Jan. 1 by Pope…
Murdered park ranger is daughter of LCMS pastor
By Paula Schlueter Ross A Jan. 10 memorial service for Margaret Anderson, who was killed while on duty Jan. 1 by a gunman in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park, drew thousands of mourners, according to news reports. Speaking at the service, Anderson’s…
New video shows disaster work in Philippines
A new video from the LCMS Office of International Mission (to watch, click here) shows how a $25,000 emergency grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care is being used to help survivors of severe flooding on the Philippine island…
Jan. 2 Rose Parade features Lutheran Hour float
The Rev. Greg Seltz, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour,” joined members of several LCMS congregations in southern California aboard the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) float in the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, in Pasadena, Calif. The…
Planners unveil Youth Gathering logo, call for volunteers
Planners for the 12th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering in 2013 have unveiled the Gathering logo (which they also refer to as an “identity mark”) and announced that online application is open for key Gathering volunteer positions. The Gathering logo…
