Rites, wrongs and Ted Kennedy
In the summer of 2004, the Vatican sent a letter to the United States addressing one of the hottest issues facing the church here — whether politicians who back abortion rights should receive Holy...
View ArticleQuiet Lutheran worship wars
If members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod have heard it once, they’ve heard their national leaders repeat this mantra a thousand times: “This is not your grandfather’s church.” That’s certainly...
View ArticleSymbols in the Texas hills
KERRVILLE, Texas – The bracelet is both simple and a bit strange, since it consists of six or seven fishing lures connected end to end. Some people look at this piece of silver or gold jewelry in the...
View ArticleFix your ugly Catholic church?
The sanctuary walls are, as a rule, made of flat wood, concrete and glass wrapped in metals with an industrial look — often matching the furnishings on the stark altar. The windows are frosted or...
View ArticleSynagogue for Jewish seekers
For centuries, Jews have watched their rabbis show reverence to God during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur rites by doing a prostration at the front of the synagogue. This symbolic act takes place during...
View ArticleRome ponders iMissal app
When it comes to liturgical details, the Vatican has clear guidelines about sacred objects that are blessed for use during a Mass. “The Church has always sought,” notes the Book of Blessings, “to...
View ArticleBaptists face Christmas, present and future
This is the time of year when many pastors sit in their offices muttering, “It happened again.” The Rev. Rick Lance knows all about that. He has long been one of the true believers who battle the waves...
View ArticleThe heretical art of Thomas Kinkade
When describing his painting “Candlelight Cottage,” the late Thomas Kinkade said its “candlelight has a cozy, intimate quality — especially when it’s suffused in the soft mist of this fine English...
View ArticleTo SHUSH or not to SHUSH in church
At the altar, the priest extends his hands over the bread and wine, then makes the sign of the Cross and leads worshippers into the most sacred moments of the Mass. The prayer is familiar: “To you,...
View ArticleWords pastors fear saying to their flocks, part 1
The powers that be in professional sports know that it’s easier to fire embattled coaches than to push powerful athletes out the door. Pastors know that the same pattern usually holds true when push...
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