Content about Chicago

August 24, 2011

Religious Events for 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Sept. 11 commemorative events planned for the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, have been moved to new locations after a large crane repairing earthquake damage fell on part of the building.

Churches and other faith-based organizations around the United States are gearing up to present a message of hope, faith, tolerance and unity as the nation observes the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

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May 21, 2011

Video Contest Asks, 'What Does It Mean to Live Lutheran?'

ELCA congregations and individuals can win thousands in ministry grants and cash prizes in the denomination's second video contest. Winners will be screened at the Lutherans' churchwide assembly in August.

CHICAGO (ELCA) – What does it means to "live Lutheran" today? Members and congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are invited to answer that question and compete for ministry grants and cash prizes in the 2011 ELCA Video Contest.

September 19, 2011

Gay Union Ban

Some 800 United Methodist clergy and laity have signed letters urging the denomination's Council of Bishops to uphold the ban on gay unions in the United Methodist Church.

More than 300 United Methodist clergy and 500 laity have signed letters urging the Council of Bishops to take a public stand supporting the denomination's position on marriage and homosexuality.

The letters respond to the pledges to bless same-sex unions signed this summer by more than 900 active and retired clergy across the United States.

August 24, 2011

Freely Loving Neighbors with Taxes and Feasting

"Dog days" may have us all dragging, but there's still hopeful faith activity going on. A noteworthy expert on religion and government delivers a cogent essay on the real meaning of divergent politics about caring for the poor. Meanwhile, an inaugural interfaith Iftar proves to be a friendly and surprising encounter with Muslims and their Islamic faith.

Toiling through the remaining "dog days" of summer seems a lot like following the Yellow Brick Road in L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz: hurricanes and earthquakes and heatstroke, oh, my! Herewith some gleanings from the parched and shaking landscape.

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August 11, 2011

Protestants for the Common Good 15th Anniversary

Chicago-based Protestants for the Common Good, a force in encouraging progressive legislation in Illinois, will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a gathering.

July 8, 2011

What Does It Take to Be Community?

What does it take to be Community? It's a simple question. It's basic and clear. As a current situation in Chicago shows, why is it so difficult?

May 13, 2011

Leaving Faith Organizations out in the Cold

Through a month-long fast this spring and continued effort, faith leaders are advocating for political leaders to do the right thing with the federal budget and spare millions of vulnerable Americans from deep budget cuts that threaten their well-being and lives.

Reprinted with Permission from Center for American Progress

April 18, 2011

With an Accent

Thank Gahd our accents can’t be scrubbed off too easily, because they reveal something of our different histories and realities.

My O’s betray me, especially when I’m tired. God becomes Gahd, and not become naht. My college roommate could always tell when I’d been talking to my mahm back in Chicago because my O’s wouldn’t right themselves for hours.

February 24, 2011

People of Faith Called to Support Workers' Rights

Religious leaders are urging their constitutents to help protect workers' rights as attacks on public employees' unions emerge as a major tool for balancing beleaguered state budgets.

UPDATED FEB. 25

People of faith across America were urged to stand up for workers' rights during a 30-minute telephone conference call Feb. 24 outlining religious leaders' support for ongoing protests by Wisconsin public employees. Rallies are planned across the nation for Saturday, Feb. 26.

February 14, 2011

Mark Scandrette

PHOENIX--Adrianna Rice of InterVarsity Press in Chicago (left) shares a moment with presenter Mark Scandrette of Re-IMAGINE spiritual collective in San Francisco between sessions at the Big Tent Christianity conference.

December 21, 2010

Learning About Muslim Americans

In much the same way Japanese Americans suffered through prejudice after Pearl Harbor, several Muslims have experienced harassment due to incidents like the Fort Hood shootings and the recent mosque controversy. I decided to do some research and learn more about the Muslim American community.

Ever since the Fort Hood shootings, I've been reading a lot about the rise hostile incidents that Muslim Americans have gone through. In much the same way Japanese Americans suffered through prejudice after Pearl Harbor, several Muslims have experienced harassment or dirty stares from people around them. I've heard conversations where people suggest that the military place special restrictions on Muslims serving in the military.