It’s another busy week in the world of religion reporting. Once again, I’m having trouble keeping up with all the headlines.
Today is the March for Life, and the Washington Post’s Julie Zauzmer had an interesting preview piece, exploring how political polarization is leading some to view the anti-abortion gathering as a Republican event.
Meanwhile, The Tennessean’s Holly Meyer offered insightful coverage of a Lifeway Research survey. Gannett flagship USA Today picked up the story. The key finding: Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in high school are dropping out of church.
And with those headlines, we’re just getting started.
Look dive into the Friday Five:
1. Religion story of the week: Religion News Service published an important, compelling three-part series on dementia and religion by national reporter Adelle M. Banks.
You really need to check it out.
Also, read my GetReligion commentary on the project.
2. Most popular GetReligion post: Our No. 1 most-clicked item of the week is … Editor Terry Mattingly’s item from early December on NFL quarterback wife Tiffany Rivers expecting child No. 9.
Perhaps the playoffs revved up the Google search engine somehow?
The top new item in the last week or so: tmatt’s post titled “Some sins deserve more secrecy? Compare and contrast cases of McCloskey and McCarrick.” Yes, the Catholic clergy sex abuse scandal remains of huge interest to readers.
3. Guilt folder fodder (and more): Did you hear that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took the oath of office on not one but nine Bibles?
The Cincinnati Enquirer had a few details on that, taken mostly from the governor’s press release.
Ruth Graham delved into governor’s Bibles in a breezy, analytical column for Slate.
I kept looking for any details on DeWine’s specific religious affiliation. Finally, I found it: The Columbus Dispatch reports on his Roman Catholic background.
4. Shameless plug: In this space, I typically promote something written by myself or one of my fellow GetReligionistas.
This week, let’s go with a plug for the Godbeat in general.
Congratulations to Tennessee’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for winning a grant to hire a religion writer.
5. Final thought: Knowing my love for Chick-fil-A, several people — including former GetReligion contributor Mark Kellner called my attention — to this tweet.
I appreciate my friends thinking of me, but honestly, that’s all Greek to me.
Happy Friday, everybody!
Enjoy the weekend!