End Violence Now: Turning Guns Into Garden Tools
Recently I had a chance to speak with well-known community activist Shane Caliborne, a Christian working in Philadelphia to reverse the city's high gun violence rate. By combining his passion for healthy food access, community involvement, and peace, he is part of a powerful movement called The Si

posted 12:30:08pm Jun. 10, 2013 | read full post »

How Women Are Breaking the Church’s Glass Ceiling
Jesus treated women differently than others would have treated women during his time, serving as a sort of early feminist, says the Rev. Susan Sparks, senior pastor at Madison Avenue Baptist Church. “Maybe you could even say Jesus was sort of the Betty Friedan of first century Palestine, because y

posted 11:50:27am May. 22, 2013 | read full post »

Suicide’s Rising Rates and How Faith Could Help
Suicide rates among middle-aged Americans have risen sharply in the past decade. Brad Hirschfield, president of Clal-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, explains why suicide should be seen as a faith issue.   Reprinted with permission from Odyssey Networks

posted 11:09:36am May. 13, 2013 | read full post »

Women Challenge the Rules at Israel's Wailing Wall
I've traveled to Israel and have seen the Western Wall - or Wailing Wall - in person. It's an extraordinary experience, and while I was there I had to separate from the men to the "Women Only" section. I was surprised to learn that this custom of separation was introduced so late in history - it o

posted 4:29:38pm Apr. 08, 2013 | read full post »

The Papacy of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by announcing on February 11 that he would resign at the end of February. His decision marked the first time in nearly 600 years that a pope has stepped down before death. Significant events and moments in Benedict’s papacy include major writings, missteps and i

posted 12:34:20pm Feb. 28, 2013 | read full post »