(RNS) — A proposed circumcision ban will not appear on San Francisco’s citywide ballot in November, a Superior Court judge ruled July 28. Judge Loretta Giorgi has determined that as “a widely practiced medical procedure,” circumcision cannot be banned by…

(RNS) — Rev. John Stott, a renowned and prolific author credited with shaping 20th-century evangelical Christianity, died July27 in England at age 90. While not a household name like evangelist Billy Graham, Stott was considered nearly as influential. He wrote…

By Kim Plummer Krull Five weeks after the sirens blasted a final evacuation warning, Amanda Mosser and coworkers at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch are among the thousands of Minot, N.D., area residents still living in emergency shelters, campers…

In response to the life-threatening drought in East Africa, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) is making plans with a local relief agency and the Kenyan government to participate in relief efforts for hard-hit Somali refugees. After a telephone…

Three four-day Higher Things Lutheran youth conferences in July drew a record total attendance of more than 2,100 young people, chaperones and pastors from throughout North America. “Coram Deo” (Latin for “before God”) was the theme of nearly identical conferences…

LSB’s project director shares thoughts on its development, impact By Paul J. Grime During the development of Lutheran Service Book (LSB), which started in earnest at the beginning of 1999, all of the work advanced with one date in mind…

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is planning several two-day tours of historic Lutheran sites in St. Louis and Perry County, Mo., this fall as part of the national church body’s 200th birthday celebration of its first president, Dr. C.F.W. Walther. Sites…

Concordia Plan Services (CPS), the benefits administrator for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), seeks a candidate with a proven track record for the position of vice-president and chief marketing officer (CMO). CPS provides a full range of competitive employee benefits…

Note: Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase. Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Notices may be sent to Karen Higgins at…

BRUCE CHARLES MORANT, Palos Verdes, Calif., and KEVIN A. HAHN, Marinette, Wis., have applied for reinstatement to the Ministers of Religion–Ordained roster of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. KATHERINE DUNCAN, Fairborn, Ohio; DENISE JOY PACILLI, Kent, Wash.; YVONNE KAY WITTROCK, Pocatello,…

Rev. Robert Bergt, whose work and reputation as a musician are known around the world, died in a St. Louis hospital July 26 at the age of 81. The cause of death was heart failure and its resulting complications. A private…

(RNS/ENInews) — Christian leaders in Hungary are divided over a restrictive new law on religion, with larger denominations welcoming its curbs on church activities and smaller groups voicing fears for their future. “We wanted a new law to make it…

After four years — and hundreds of hours of research — Concordia Publishing House has produced The Story Bible for children ages 3 to 8. The new Bible features lifelike illustrations, Christ-centered stories and resources designed to enhance learning.  It…

WASHINGTON (RNS) — House lawmakers voted July 7 to order the Pentagon to uphold the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. In an amendment to a larger Defense Department funding bill,…

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Three church-state activist groups criticized the Army for allowing an evangelical concert at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg but not making similar provisions for a “Rock Beyond Belief” concert for nonbelievers. The three groups — Americans United for…