I always find it curious how the media cover the Episcopal Church so differently than other denominations in America. Remember all of the stories in recent years about dioceses and parishes leaving, the property disputes and realignments? Well, another church group is facing something similar, and for related reasons. Last year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to roster gay clergy who are in committed sexual relationships. Not just the vote but the reasoning behind it — which more traditional Lutherans viewed as an unacceptable rejection of Scripture as the source and norm of doctrine — led a similar exodus of parishioners and congregations. At least I think it was similar, but the coverage is making me wonder if it was wildly different.
Mosques outside of NYC
Most controversy in Green Bay revolves around the Packers, so it was a little surprising to see some tension after a group sought approval to develop a mosque in a shuttered bait and tackle shop just down the road from my house.
Ghosts in the D.C. school woes
A frequent and, in my opinion often logical, criticism of this website is that we tend to stretch logic while seeking out the religion “ghosts” that we believe are hidden between the lines in important stories in the mainstream press.
Don't split this cab
Ghosts in the North Korea rescue
The Associated press reports that former President Jimmy Carter has secured the release of Aijalon Mahli Gomes:
Faith in rescuing
After a major disaster or an interesting person goes missing, reporters often do follow-up stories to capture the intensity and emotion during the often-terrifying experience.
Preschool and the culture wars
A model Park 51 discussion
Earlier this week I wrote something for the Washington Post/Newsweek “On Faith” section about media missteps in coverage of the mosque proposed to be built near ground zero. One of the points I made was that the media make the opposing sides in this debate seem farther apart than they are:
Obama and Allah, past and present
I faced a crucial decision this week while writing the lede for my column for the Scripps Howard New Service, a decision that I knew — not matter what I decided — I was going to hear about it early and often.
