Category Archives: Politics

Rev. Will D. Campbell, renegade preacher in Civil Rights era, dies at 88

I have to confess that my favorite part of the newspaper is the obituary section. It’s not that I have a morbid fascination with the dead or anything. Quite the opposite. The obit page is full of fascinating stories of … Continue reading

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Vermont fourth state to pass assisted suicide; Cardinal Sean O’Malley calls it ‘a tragic moment.’

From footballers to frenchmen, everybody is talking about gay marriage. It seems to be the seminal issue of our time, one that crosses heavily into faith beliefs. So does assisted suicide. Last week, Vermont became the fourth U.S. state to … Continue reading

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U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on government meeting prayers

The news was somewhat buried Monday amid the tragedy in Oklahoma, but the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will step into the fray and rule on yet another issue testing the delicate dance between the separation of church and … Continue reading

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Boy Scouts of America compromise on gays: is it fair?

The announcement by the Boy Scouts of America on a new gay policy slipped by relatively unnoticed April 19. I suspect this was not entirely a coincidence. It’s common PR practice to release sensitive news on a Friday afternoon in … Continue reading

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Jeri Wright, Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s daughter, indicted for fraud

I made a recent post here about the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who spoke Feb. 7 in Lancaster. In it, I wondered if Wright is judged fairly. Few had heard of Rev. Wright or his lifetime of good work prior … Continue reading

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National Day of Prayer on deck May 2

A little history on National Day of Prayer, slated for May 2 this year: Held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. Each … Continue reading

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Catholic Church: Sen. Casey wrong on same-sex marriage

Father Joseph Bambora of the Diocese of Scranton called Sen. Bob Casey’s change of heart on same-sex marriage a disappointing decision. In a statement released Monday night, Bambora said the senator “has unfortunately and disappointingly set aside the Catholic belief … Continue reading

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Gay marriage gets hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court

It cannot be understated how swiftly Americans have come around to the idea of marriage equality. Or gay marriage, depending on your preference. Since 2010, support for gay marriage has exploded in a sharp sea change not normally seen even … Continue reading

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Prominent faith leaders condemn Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan was back at it yesterday, releasing a fresh budget that calls for lower tax rates on the wealthy and deep cuts in the social safety net. The Ryan budget, which has no chance of being passed, … Continue reading

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Obama camp to consider legal opposition to Proposition 8 gay marriage ban

Think the Obama administration is too wrapped up in sequestration to worry about anything else? Think again. Word on the street is the president is considering directing the federal government to file a legal brief joining opposition to California’s gay … Continue reading

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