Monthly Archives: April 2009

Faith groups historically play role in pandemics

Posted on April 29, 2009 by melissa nann burke

With the swine flu news, it turns out an upcoming forum about how congregations should plan for a flu outbreak of pandemic proportions might be more timely than anticipated: Local religious leaders are meeting with health officials and emergency responders … Continue reading →

Posted in Local events, Science | Leave a comment

Pew: Americans change religious affiliation early, often

Posted on April 28, 2009 by melissa nann burke

According to a new study, about half of American adults have changed religious affiliation at least once during their lives. Most people who change their religion leave their childhood faith before age 24, and many of those who change religion … Continue reading →

Posted in Denominational doings | Leave a comment

Pa. township sued over proposed Hindu temple

Posted on April 19, 2009 by melissa nann burke

A group seeking to build a Hindu temple in Chester Springs, Chester County, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the suburban Philadelphia township’s zoning and land development ordinances are infringing on the group’s constitutional rights, the AP reports.

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Sightings: Holiday Conflicts

Posted on April 13, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Religion scholar Martin Marty’s latest column looks at how the observance of holidays can, and often does, breed conflict. Whoever has been near controversies and conflicts over religious holidays — whether in legislatures, courts or school boards — knows to … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia | Leave a comment

Egg-stra! Egg-stra!

Posted on April 12, 2009 by melissa nann burke

While your waiting for your ham to bake, here’s a roundup of Easter fun for your Sunday. Test your Easter knowledge with a BeliefNet.com quiz. Read about the symbolism of eggs in various traditions, make an Easter basket or check … Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Worship | Leave a comment

Who was St. Claudia Procula?

Posted on April 12, 2009 by melissa nann burke

My hubby over at RNS has a look at Pilate’s wife, her dream about Jesus and her part in the Easter story. For all of Pontius Pilate’s faults, one was distinctly damning: he didn’t listen to his wife. Engraving (at … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and media, Catholicism, Denominational doings | 1 Comment

Word of the day: Maudlin

Posted on April 9, 2009 by melissa nann burke

In remembrance of the Last Supper, Christians mark today as Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday in some Protestant churches. “Maundy” refers to the ceremony of washing the feet of the poor commemorating Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet … Continue reading →

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Burned out on church work. Sound familiar?

Posted on April 6, 2009 by melissa nann burke

The women’s blog Her.meneutics over at CT has a Q&A with blogger Anne Jackson from Nashville, Tenn., who I’ve heard a lot of buzz about (FYI, she gave up blogging for Lent, so check back April 13). Her book is … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Elsewhere | Leave a comment

Sightings: God Is Back

Posted on April 6, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Religion scholar Martin Marty‘s latest Sightings column looks at the new book “God Is Back,” which “is really about ‘choice,’ which historians of American religion have long seen as the center of the plot in this pluralistic and religiously sectored … Continue reading →

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Word of the Day: Neophyte

Posted on April 6, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Among the annual Easter traditions for many Christians is welcoming new members to the church. About 510 people from the 15-county Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg are expected to join the church this weekend, which is down slightly from last year … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Local events, Word of the day | Leave a comment