Clergy's professional reputation hovers in the middle

(RNS) — What do nurses, soldiers, pharmacists, elementary school teachers, doctors and police officers have in common? Americans say they are all more ethical and honest than members of the clergy, according to a Gallup survey released Dec. 3. Slightly…

Churches push hard on last-minute legislation

WASHINGTON (RNS) — With three weeks left before the 111th Congress adjourns, faith groups are mounting a full-court press on Capitol Hill on a number of bills, including a nuclear treaty with Russia and an immigration bill. Advocates are pressing…

Official Notice: Statement on LCMS Financial Results

In response to Resolution 4-03, which was adopted by the 2010 national convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the vice-president — finance/treasurer has prepared a brief statement explaining the financial condition of the church body. To read the statement, click…

Former Anglican head bemoans attempt to 'air-brush' Christianity

LONDON (RNS) — Former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey has slammed attempts to “air-brush” Christianity out of society — a trend he said is gaining speed as Christmas nears. Carey claimed Britain’s “rich legacy” of Christian culture is “under…

Catholic school enrollments worry church leaders

NEW ORLEANS (RNS) — Not much keeps Archbishop Gregory Aymond up at night. But one thing does make him toss and turn. In the past four years, especially after Hurricane Katrina, Catholic school enrollment has been steadily falling. Finding ways…

Church of England gives OK to Anglican covenant

LONDON (RNS) — The Church of England, defying opposition from its traditionalist wing, has given its support to a global covenant aimed at keeping the Anglican Communion intact in the face of disputes over homosexuality and female bishops. The Church’s…

Christian network CEO tries to head off blackmail campaign

(RNS) — The founders of the world’s second-largest Christian network admitted Nov. 30 that their marriage was once torn by an “improper relationship,” and went public to head off a multimillion-dollar blackmail threat. Marcus Lamb, president and CEO of Daystar…

First lady expands 'Let's Move' to religious groups

WASHINGTON (RNS) — First lady Michelle Obama has expanded her “Let’s Move” initiative to reduce childhood obesity to include working with religious and community organizations. “We can provide all the information in the world but it’s really the leadership and…

President's office launches blog

“Lutheran preaching does not merely talk about the Law and the Gospel or this or that teaching. Lutheran preaching delivers the goods. It actually speaks the very Word of God, which kills and makes alive. Lutheran preaching dares to say…

CPH releases new Commentary on Matthew

Concordia Publishing House has released a new addition to its Concordia Commentary series — Matthew 11:2-20:34, a second volume on the Gospel of Matthew.  The first volume, Matthew 1:1-11:1, was released in 2006. Both editions were written by Dr. Jeffrey…

Seminary to host evangelism conference

The third annual “Reaching Out Together” evangelism conference is set for Feb. 12 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The conference is designed to inspire, encourage, teach and provide opportunities for participants to talk about Jesus with others — especially those…

Congregations report outreach turnarounds

By Joe Isenhower Jr. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders of two Mid-South District congregations told the LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) at its Nov. 16-18 meeting here about their churches’ refocusing efforts to reach unchurched neighbors with renewed Christ-centered witness. Their two-hour…

LCMS begins dialogue with ACNA

The first session of a four-part dialogue between representatives of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and the LCMS, Nov. 10-11 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, brought together the heads of both church bodies — Archbishop Robert Duncan, primate…

Seminary offers choir workshop

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will offer its 19th Annual Schola Cantorum: An Adult Choir Member Workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 22.  The workshop will be held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus and the Clara and Spencer Werner…

CPH, LHM offer Advent devotions

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) and Lutheran Hour Ministries — both based in St. Louis — are offering daily devotions for the season of Advent, which begins Sunday, Nov. 28. Booklets available from CPH are: God’s Love at Christmas: Daily Devotions…

Wulf named to Synod CFO position

Jerald C. Wulf of Pierre, S.D., was appointed Nov. 19 by the LCMS Board of Directors as the Synod’s new chief financial officer.  The Board selected Wulf during its Nov. 17-19 meeting in Nashville, Tenn. “Jerald Wulf comes to the…