The birth control debate

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, Following the Republicans' weekly strategy session. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Top Republican calls for birth control exemption legislation

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Conservatives said Sunday the flap surrounding President Barack Obama’s birth control mandate was far from over, with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell saying he’ll push to overturn the requirement because it was another example of government meddling.

Bishops oppose birth-control deal

Bishops oppose birth-control deal

David Brown

After initial optimism about decision, Catholic leaders call for insurance mandate to be rescinded.

Cast your vote: Religious freedom vs. women’s rights

Cast your vote: Religious freedom vs. women’s rights

On Faith

Did Obama administration strike the right balance between religious freedom and women’s rights?

A battle to protect the revolutionary gains of America’s women

A battle to protect the revolutionary gains of America’s women

Lisa Miller

To hold the consciences of a few loud voices over the private needs of families is not just unfair. It is unconscionable.

News

Episcopalians on verge of reclaiming churches

Michelle Boorstein

A bitter, prolonged property dispute between Episcopalians and breakaway congregations in Virginia seems near the end as the groups prepare for a massive property swap.

From the On Faith Blog Network

Guilty Catholic pleasure? ‘Downton Abbey’

Guilty Catholic pleasure? ‘Downton Abbey’

James Martin

I feel the tiniest bit guilty liking “Downton” because it celebrates income inequalities, noblesse oblige and snottiness. But how!

You can’t ‘compromise’ on religious liberty

You can’t ‘compromise’ on religious liberty

Jordan Sekulow and Matthew Clark

No American should be forced to choose between obeying the tenants of one’s faith and obeying the law.

The politics of Catholic opposition to birth control

Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo

The issue is both theological and political, but neither bishops nor politicians are usually adept at both.

Did the bishops forget about women?

Did the bishops forget about women?

Jon O’Brien

It’s perplexing that the bishops have used their authority to declare that the vast majority of Catholic women who do use a modern form of birth control are beyond the pale.

Religion on the campaign trail

(Andrew Buckley / AP)

  • Religion on the campaign trail

    Religion on the campaign trail

    Scenes of religious faith meeting politics in the 2012 campaign.

    http://img2.wpdigital.net/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/08/SocialIssues-Religion-Immigration/Images/Santorum_2012_04562-623.jpg 296 197

The 2013 budget: A looming drama of biblical proportions

The 2013 budget: A looming drama of biblical proportions

Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite

This budget and its choices are biblical choices.

At CPAC, new kind of culture war

At CPAC, new kind of culture war

Gayle Trotter

A new alliance emerged between social and fiscal conservatives.

A life touched by faith

A life touched by faith

Sally Quinn

Roma Downey, who played the Irish angel Monica on the hugely popular TV series “Touched by an Angel,” says she want to give the rest of her life to ‘glorify God.’

Scenes from the abortion debate

Scenes from the abortion debate

The Catholic Church is credited with leading the antiabortion movement for decades, but religious arguments shape the pro-choice side, too.

On Faith / Local

Religion

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign (1:24)

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign (1:24)

Muslim groups are calling for New York's police commissioner to step down because of his appearance in a film they say paints them in a bad light. (Jan. 26)
Atheist billboard sparks debate in Denver

Atheist billboard sparks debate in Denver

A Denver, Colo. billboard isn't even up yet and it is already sparking a huge debate. KCNC-TV's Dominic Garcia reports.
Imam: Marines behavior is 'reprehensible' (1:26)

Imam: Marines behavior is 'reprehensible' (1:26)

New York-based Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid says video depicting what appears to be four Marines urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters is reprehensible and the Marines should be held accountable. (Jan. 12)
Catholics around the world mark Epiphany

Catholics around the world mark Epiphany

Revelers around the world gathered on Thursday evening to mark the eve of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the story of the coming of the Three Kings, also known as the three wise men or magi, to baby Jesus. (Jan. 5)
Muslim leaders to boycott NYC prayer breakfast

Muslim leaders to boycott NYC prayer breakfast

Activists upset at police efforts to spy on Muslims plan to skip Mayor Michael Bloomberg's annual year-end interfaith breakfast, saying Bloomberg shouldn't be defending the tactics. (Dec. 29)
Bethlehem, Nazareth light Christmas trees

Bethlehem, Nazareth light Christmas trees

Christmas trees were lit up across the Middle East on Thursday evening in the traditional birthplace and homeland of Jesus. (Dec. 15)
Pope meets with new leader of Italy

Pope meets with new leader of Italy

Pope Benedict XVI has had his first meeting with Italy's new leader on the tarmac of Rome's airport just before taking off for a trip to Africa. (Nov. 18)
Would Joel Osteen officiate a gay marriage?

Would Joel Osteen officiate a gay marriage?

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and his views on homosexuality and whether he would ever attend or officiate a gay marriage.
Joel Osteen on Pastor Robert Jeffress and Mormonism

Joel Osteen on Pastor Robert Jeffress and Mormonism

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and the controversial comments made by Rick Perry supporter Pastor Robert Jeffress on Mormonism.
Joel Osteen on his 'Night of Hope'

Joel Osteen on his 'Night of Hope'

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and his upcoming 'Night of Hope' which will be held in Washington, D.C. next April in Nationals park.
Norvel becomes first African American to head Josephites

Norvel becomes first African American to head Josephites

Father William Norvel is celebrating mass at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic church in Baltimore. This summer he became the first African American to head a Catholic order, the Josephites, a group of Catholic priests who came from Europe 140 years ago to minister to freed slaves.
Controversial pope statue to change

Controversial pope statue to change

The artist pilloried over a statue of the late Pope John Paul II has been given a chance at redemption, agreeing to make changes to his work. But whether the sculptor can and will do enough to pacify his critics remains to be seen. (Sept. 28)

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