Five Facts About the Abortion Debate  —  Forty-two years after Roe v. Wade, the debate over the issue continues even as public opinion has held relatively steady. Here are a few key facts about Americans’ views on the topic, based on recent Pew Research Center polling.

Various Church Bodies on Same-Sex Marriage  —  There’s sharp division in the court case among faith groups, and sometimes within them, so those following the details will want to carefully monitor the inflow of religious and moral arguments as “friend of the court” briefs are filed in coming weeks.

Je Suis?  —  Among the many commentaries on Charlie Hebdo, here is Jim Wallis on religious fundamentalism, secular fundamentalism, and other thoughtful commentators.  “While freedom of speech has been invoked throughout the media coverage of the attacks, the religious implications here run deeper. They are about how the faith community should respond when we are […]

Catholic Diocese Employment News?  —  As church institutions continue to assess the cultural landscape and its changing two-kingdoms challenges, this analysis column (not news story) on a case about Miami’s Catholic Archdiocese may be informative and instructive regarding communications and perceptions.

British Churches Assert Magna Carta’s Christian Heritage  —  The Magna Carta is the 13th-century document enshrining the rights, privileges and liberties of the clergy and the nobles.  Considered a founding document for human rights, it enumerates the church’s right to appoint its own clergy, bishops and archbishops following a bitter church-state row about who should […]

Update: Cost to Small Businesses that Refuse to Participate in Same-Sex Weddings  —  These business owners declined to work with same-sex couples, stating their religious beliefs prevented participation in same-sex ceremonies. The couples sued, alleging discrimination. Here’s an update on where their cases stand as 2015 gets underway

Atlanta Fire Chief Dismissed: Religious Bias?  —  Mayor Kasim Reed’s decision to dismiss his fire chief last week for giving co-workers copies of a Christian self-help book condemning homosexuality is fanning new kinds of legal and political flames.  See also NYT article.

Teachers and Religious Apparel in the Classroom  —  A 65-year-old Pennsylvania law barring teachers from wearing “religious garb” in class, though rarely enforced, has resurfaced, much to the irritation of school officials and religious liberty advocates.  That law allowed a man to recently register a complaint over a teacher at the East Pennsboro Middle School […]

Gay Christians Choosing Celibacy  —  This WaPo feature article on the emergence of gays in Catholic and evangelical circles explores their feelings toward churches, right or wrong as well as the feelings of others in the church toward them.  The piece could serve as a helpful lens on the interpersonal emphasis that influences student perspectives.

Most Say Religious Holiday Displays on Public Property are OK  —  44% of Americans say Christian symbols like nativity scenes should be allowed on government property even if they are not accompanied by symbols from other religions. 28% of U.S. adults say that such symbols should be permitted, but only if they are accompanied by […]