In Craigslist’s random ocean of housing swaps, motorcycles for sale and vegan discussion forums, a tiny tide began a few days ago with these words: “Want to volunteer with me on Christmas in D.C.?” With that, Sally Smith, a 27-year-old Texan who this year for the first time couldn’t afford to go home for the holidays, found herself unexpectedly commanding a little holiday army of do-gooders.
…I would sit down with Rick Warren this morning if I had the opportunity. I would love to engage him. In some ways he’s a very brave person, but he’s woefully wrong about the issue of homosexuality. He needs to be confronted about the lies he told about gay people to the people of California. ~Gene Robinson
Samir Yusef said he and his wife finally returned to their home in Baghdad’s Dora district three months ago after being displaced for two years. About 30% of the Christian families have returned to the neighborhood, he said.
And thanks to the Rev. Peter Pearson for our Christmas icon. Peter is priest in charge at Saint Philip’s Church in New Hope, Pa. He is a former Benedictine monk, an icon painter (and our editor in chief’s former roommate when they worked at Camp Saint Andrew in Tunkhannock, Pa.)
Leaders of different faiths, including The Rev. Ed Bacon, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, from throughout Los Angeles talk about what they wish for
“We should keep the spirit of Christmas alive for future generations. I have two small children and I want them to appreciate the importance of the day, so we will have a meal and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Mary’s “yes” is a choice to participate in God’s work of healing the world. … It’s not about taking orders simply because they are written down, or spoken, or demanded. It is about a careful and thoughtful and whole-hearted decision to participate. It is about claiming the authority God has given us.
Lisa Miller, religion editor at Newsweek, contends on Talk of the Nation on NPR that the Bible’s models of marriage are flawed, and its lessons about love actually argue for gay marriage
Episcopal Life Online announces that Anne Rudig, an Episcopalian from the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will become the director of the Episcopal Church’s Office of
A survey of more than 100 religion journalists has named President-elect Barack Obama Newsmaker of the Year for consciously seeking the support of the faith