religion

The Washington National Cathedral decided to remove the Confederate battle flag from its windows last year. Its leaders decided this week to take down stained-glass windows portraying Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

National Cathedral Is Removing Stained-Glass Windows Honoring Confederate Leaders

3:06pm September 06, 2017

by Bill Chappell

"Are these windows, installed in 1953, an appropriate part of the sacred fabric of a spiritual home for the nation?" The answer, the cathedral's leadership decided Tuesday, is no.

Lee Relative Who Denounced White Supremacy Resigns As Pastor Of N.C. Church

6:19pm September 05, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Robert W. Lee IV said some members of his congregation were uncomfortable with the media attention he received after his speech against racism and hate on MTV's Video Music Awards in August.

Pastor, Descendant Of Robert E. Lee Leaves Post At Winston-Salem Church

5:17pm September 05, 2017

by Bethany Chafin

A minister and descendant of Robert E. Lee in North Carolina has quit his job, resigning after speaking out against white supremacy.

For people who believe in God, natural disasters can challenge faith. For some, it becomes impossible to believe there is a God in command when truly awful things happen.

Religion

'He Has A Reason': How Natural Disasters Test The Faithful

2:22pm September 04, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

Spiritual leaders have long offered such counsel in times of human suffering. Theologians even have a term for efforts to explain why God and evil can coexist: theodicy.

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As Flood Recovery Starts In Houston, Many Go Back To Church

5:24pm September 03, 2017

by Adrian Florido

Across Houston, both the pastors and the congregants are finding comfort in their faith as they begin recovering from the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey and returning to their churches.

How Natural Disasters Can Be Faith-Challenging Experiences

5:24pm September 03, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

Natural disasters and human suffering have long challenged people of faith because they don't understand why God would allow such things to happen. It's a core problem facing believers.

After a series of big tremors last August, Norcia's small community of Benedictine monks sought shelter on the mountainside high above the town. An earthquake devastated the town, seen here from the mountainside, in October.

Beer-Brewing Monks Are Helping Rebuild Earthquake-Devastated Town In Italy

8:10am September 03, 2017

by Sylvia Poggioli

The Benedictine monks of Norcia are known for their chart-topping album of Gregorian chants — and their beer. They're donating proceeds to rebuilding efforts, and helping the Umbrian town recover.

Megachurch Leader Joel Osteen Under Fire

7:33am August 30, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

Joel Osteen, an advocate of "prosperity gospel" theology, presides over a 17,000-seat church in Houston, but agreed to open it to evacuees only after coming under intense criticism on social media.

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Outgoing White House press secretary Sean Spicer smiles as he departs the White House on July 21. Earlier that day Spicer resigned his position.

Ex-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer Finally Meets Pope Francis

7:19am August 30, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

When President Trump visited the Vatican in May, Spicer was left off a list of White House officials who had a chance to meet the pope. Spicer resigned as press secretary on July 21.

Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston came under scrutiny for not opening its doors to evacuees from Hurricane Harvey. The former basketball arena seats 16,000 people.

After Pressure Mounts, Joel Osteen Says His Houston Megachurch Is Open To Evacuees

6:47pm August 29, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Lakewood Church occupies an arena that used to house the Houston Rockets. Questions had circulated online about why it wasn't being used to house those needing refuge from Hurricane Harvey.