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It’s one thing not to take the world ending seriously… but most people, including reporters, seem to be using Harold Camping’s May 21 prediction as the chance to have some fun. (Especially since even Camping’s Family Radio ministry employees don’t seem to be taking the prediction seriously.) Here’s a sample of the stories from the…

Stephen Colbert, a Catholic, had some helpful advice last night for pedophile priests confused by poor training and preparation for the social upheavals of the 1960s-1970s — one of the conclusions of a recent (extremely problematic) clergy abuse study: “Do: Give sermons, counsel your flock, preach the good word. Don’t: Molest anyone… ever!” Check out…

President Obama is giving gave a speech about the “Arab Spring” and related upheavals in the Middle East this morning, and is meeting with Israeli officials tomorrow and Sunday (unless the world ends). Here’s the text of the speech, which included this message about Osama bin Laden and Islam: Bin Laden was no martyr. He was a…

UPDATE: Whispers in the Loggia has a link to the lengthy report. Also, see the Comments section for more links and information, such as The New York Times revelation that this study used 10 as the victim age cutoff for pedophile vs. ephebophile priests — even though age 13 is the norm! Check out this…

The Vatican has ordered Catholic bishops around the world to create clear, coordinated procedures to stop clergy abuse — by May 2012. The deadline is included in a new letter that the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith just sent out, signed by Cardinal William Levada (formerly of Portland and San Francisco, no stranger to the…

Five days after being admitted to a North Carolina hospital with pneumonia, the Rev. Billy Graham has been released from the hospital, and is now resting comfortably at his mountain home. Meanwhile, is Lady Gaga trying to be the next generation’s Graham — reaching out to millions (she’s now the most followed user on Twitter)…

It’s Friday the 13th, so whether you’re scared or skeptical about this “unlucky” day, check out this CNN Belief Blog piece by Stuart Vise about the superstition. Now, if you’re ready for some fun, check out this “Yahweh or No Way” clip from Tuesday’s Colbert Report, chalking up Osama bin Laden’s death as a miracle from…

Evangelist and “pastor to presidents” Billy Graham has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital, with pneumonia. Officials say Graham is resting comfortable, and perhaps it’s not too serious: CNN reports that his son, Franklin Graham, is not expected to return from his humanitarian mission in North Korea for Samaritan’s Purse, a relief and evangelism organization that…

This month’s Public Religion Research Institute/Religion News Service poll asked how Americans  feel about Osama bin Laden’s death, whether the Golden Rule applies to terrorists, and other questions that probe the grey area between Christian belief and behavior. No surprise (unless, like “God Is Not One” author Stephen Prothero says in my story, you thought…

Do big gay faith news stories come in threes? If so, we’ve already had two this week: The Presbyterian Church got enough member region (presbytery) votes Tuesday to allow gay clergy, after more than three decades of debate and nearly a year after church leaders had agreed to the shift. This is now the fourth…
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