Mark A. Kellner
Articles by Mark A. Kellner
Presbyterians cancel polarization panel over divisive participant, will hold prayer session instead
The Presbyterian Church in America has scrapped a panel on political polarization over its inclusion of a New York Times columnist who supports same-sex marriage and drag queen "story hour" presentations to children. Published May 15, 2024
Evangelicals prefer religious, not political, definitions of term, survey shows
Most Christians who say they hold beliefs that would identify them as "evangelical" shy away from the word because it carries political implications, a new survey shows. Published May 15, 2024
Lawsuit threatened after Nashville hotel pulls plug on pro-Israel Christian gathering
Attorneys representing pro-Israel Christian group HaYovel said Monday that a hotel near the Nashville International Airport canceled a meeting contract in violation of federal and Tennessee civil rights laws. Published May 13, 2024
Ex-Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says Democrats, Biden-Harris administration put themselves in God’s place
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman known for criticizing the Democratic Party, says Democratic elites have put themselves in the place of God and seek to erase the deity from American public life. Published May 12, 2024
First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, faces expulsion for having a woman pastor
First Baptist Church of Alexandria, one of the nation's oldest Southern Baptist congregations, faces expulsion for having a woman pastor. Published May 12, 2024
Seattle Archdiocese must hand over abuse records, state attorney general says
Washington state's attorney general is increasing pressure on the Catholic Church in a child sex abuse investigation he is conducting. Published May 10, 2024
Catholic school in North Carolina has right to refuse teacher in same-sex marriage, judges rule
A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that a Catholic school has the right to only hire staff who agree with its religious principles, rejecting a lawsuit from a substitute teacher who announced plans to enter into a same-sex marriage. Published May 8, 2024
Southern Baptist Convention lost 241,000 members in 2023, remains largest U.S. Protestant group
The Southern Baptist Convention lost 241,000 members last year, lowering its total membership to less than 13 million for the first time since the mid-1970s. Published May 7, 2024
Fox News’ Dr. Nicole Saphier writes ‘Love, Mom,’ which chronicles stories of mothers’ faith
Fox News medical commentator Dr. Nicole Saphier has turned away from writing about health care reform and America's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to broach a subject that has loomed even larger in her life: motherhood. Published May 7, 2024
Did Congress ‘outlaw’ the New Testament?
Welcome to Higher Ground, the faith-centric newsletter focused on the intersection of culture and politics from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times. Published May 6, 2024
House antisemitism bill not an attack on Christian Scriptures, scholars say
Some lawmakers voted against a House bill that instructs the Education Department to consider a recognized definition of antisemitism when probing anti-Jewish discrimination at schools, colleges and universities as effectively outlawing the Bible's New Testament. Published May 2, 2024
United Methodists, winnowed by conservative exodus, embrace LGBTQ inclusivity
United Methodist delegates voted Thursday to make the denomination, which has skewed leftward in the wake of mass defections by conservative-leaning congregations, more gay- and LGBTQ-friendly. Published May 2, 2024
United Methodists approve gay clergy ordination, ending 40-year-old ban
The United Methodist Church delegates voted Wednesday to allow LGBTQ individuals to serve as ministers, reversing a 40-year-old ban on the ordination of "self-avowed practicing homosexuals." Published May 1, 2024
Methodists move to undo LGBTQ restrictions, embrace liberalized views on sexual practices
The United Methodist Church's business session Tuesday voted to end a ban on using church funds to advocate for gay rights, a prelude to action expected later this week that would drop the denomination's official restrictions on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. Published April 30, 2024
‘Hollywood Priest’ documentary shows how ‘Father Bud’ Kieser brought moral tales to TV
A documentary exploring the late Rev. Ellwood "Father Bud" Kieser's pioneering path in Hollywood, his impact on the media and his legacy is getting its first national airing on television. Published April 30, 2024
United Methodist delegates approve plan giving U.S. churches more autonomy on LGBTQ issues
United Methodist Church delegates approved a restructuring plan that would allow church regions -- including the U.S. -- greater autonomy in deciding matters such as approving same-sex marriages and ordaining active LGBTQ clergy. Published April 26, 2024
United Methodists eye redefinition of marriage, massive budget cuts at business session
The United Methodist Church's business session received two proposals Wednesday -- one to scuttle the definition of marriage as being between "one man and one woman," the other to slash the budget by 42%. Published April 24, 2024
Church member sues over $5 million tithe, refund request raises questions about all religious giving
A brother of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is suing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a $5 million "refund," accusing the church of misusing his mandatory tithing donations. Published April 24, 2024
Jewish-Christian author says Israel-Hamas war, Iranian missile attack spark spiritual searching
Joel C. Rosenberg, a best-selling author based in Jerusalem, says that attacks by Hamas and Iran have sparked a spiritual crisis for Israelis and Palestinians. Published April 24, 2024
Finnish ‘Bible trial’ case goes to high court as prosecutor appeals acquittal, defense attorneys say
The Supreme Court of Finland will hear arguments in the case of an evangelical lawmaker and a Lutheran bishop who are accused of hate speech in expressing their biblical views on homosexuality, defense attorneys said. Published April 23, 2024
