Religion

Parishioners of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, gather on July 10, 2016, to pray for the five police officers killed when a man used a high-power rifle in a sniper attack at a protest in Dallas late July 7.

As Country Reels From Violent Week, Clergies Offer Messages Of Healing

12:31pm July 10, 2016

by Cheryl Corley

The fatal police shootings of black men followed by the killings of five police officers have given members of the clergy much to think about. What will they be saying to their congregations?

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How Police Chaplains Step In After Departments Cope With Officer Deaths

9:13am July 10, 2016

Police officers are struggling with the deaths of five of their own. NPR's Rachel Martin talks with chaplain Gary Holden, founder of the Police Chaplain Program, about ministering to law enforcement.

Former Evangelical Pastor Rethinks His Approach To Courtship

9:13am July 10, 2016

Josh Harris, a former evangelical pastor, wrote an influential book on Christian courtship. NPR's Rachel Martin talks with him about the criticism he's gotten from people who grew up reading his book.

Officers Can Turn To Police Chaplains In Time Of Need

5:28pm July 09, 2016

When police officers need someone to talk to, they can turn to police chaplains. President of the International Conference of Police Chaplains Mark Clements talks about what they are saying this week.

Religion

Mama Dragons Try To Prevent Suicides Among Mormon-LGBT Children

7:50am July 07, 2016

by Andrea Smardon

Among Mormons, there is a group of women known as Mama Dragons, fierce protectors of their LGBT children. They were put to the test after the church hardened its stance against same-sex marriages.

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The Ark Encounter is slated to open in Williamstown, Ky., on Thursday, July 7, a nod to Genesis 7:7, which tells the story of Noah and his family entering the ark.

Life-Size Noah's Ark To Open Amid A Flood Of Skepticism

5:50pm July 05, 2016

by Ashley Westerman

The replica opens in Williamstown, Ky., this week. The group behind Ark Encounter and many local officials say it will be an economic boon to the area, but some locals are skeptical.

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A Noah's Ark In Kentucky Encounters Controversy

5:14pm July 04, 2016

by Cheri Lawson

A theme park featuring a life-size Noah's Ark opens this week in Kentucky. Its creator calls it a "world-class attraction." Critics say it reinforces the state's anti-science image.

Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author, smiles during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, in 2009.

Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor And Nobel Laureate, Dies At 87

10:59am July 03, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

After surviving the Nazi death camps, Wiesel advocated on behalf of victims of hate and persecution around the world. He died Saturday at the age of 87.

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Protesters march on May 1, seeking repeal of a Mississippi law allowing religious groups and some private businesses to deny services to same-sex couples, transgender people and others. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional late Thursday.

Judge Blocks Mississippi Law Protecting Religious Objections To Gay Marriage

2:53pm July 01, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Late Thursday night, shortly before the controversial law was set to take effect, a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional. He called it an "attempt to put LGBT citizens back in their place."

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Church Should Apologize To Gays, Pope Francis Says

7:54am June 27, 2016

The pope, who's ushered in a more welcoming attitude toward homosexuals, says the Catholic Church should seek forgiveness for its mistreatment of gays. His comments came during a flight from Armenia.

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