Firstcoastnews.com Religion and Faith

Cables Show Ireland Irked Vatican on Sovereignty

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 10:48:23 GMT

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Newly released U.S. diplomatic cables indicate that the Vatican felt "offended" that Ireland failed to respect Holy See "sovereignty" by asking high-ranking churchmen to answer questions from an Irish government commission probing decades of sex abuse of minors by clergy.

Bars Closed? Pa. Church Offers Late-night Mass

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 10:40:36 GMT

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh churches used to offer middle-of-the-night services for employees who worked odd hours. One church is bringing the tradition back with a 2:30 a.m. service. The Rev. Carmen D'Amico said he's adding a weekly Mass on Sundays, timed for just after the bars close.

Megachurch Pastor Eddie Long Says He Won't Be Pulled Into 'Street Fight'

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:08:52 GMT

LITHONIA, Ga. (AP) -- A megachurch pastor accused of luring four
young men into sexual relationships says that he won't be pulled into a street fight and vowed that his faith has been strengthened.

Afghans Protest Florida Church's Plans to Burn Quran

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:20:59 GMT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Hundreds of Afghans railed against the United States and called for President Barack Obama's death at a rally in the capital Monday to denounce a Florida church's plans to burn the Islamic holy book on 9/11.

Opponents Fight New Mosques in U.S. Heartland

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:46:59 GMT

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Muslims trying to build houses of worship in the nation's heartland, far from the heated fight in New York over plans for a mosque near the World Trade Center site, are running into opponents even more hostile and aggressive.

Chicago Marriott Oak Brook Cancels Muslim Convention

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:38:01 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) -- A controversial Muslim group has canceled its annual U.S. conference after a suburban Chicago hotel backed out of hosting the event.

No Sanctuary for Evicted Atlanta Church

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:48:12 GMT

ATLANTA -- The foreclosure crisis has hit an Atlanta church. Members knew something was terribly wrong when they drove by and saw all the possessions from the sanctuary of the Greater Works church strewn about in the parking lot.

Church Holds Special Prayer For Pastor Hit By Car

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:31:46 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A church family gathered for Sunday morning service, just about 24 hours after one of their pastors was hit by a car.

Presbyterians Split on Gay-Friendly Measures

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:28:46 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Presbyterian leaders were split Thursday on two gay-friendly measures, voting to allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy but deciding not to redefine marriage in their church constitution to include same-sex couples - at least for now.

Man Charged With Setting Fire at Georgia Mosque

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:53:16 GMT

MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) - A 26-year-old man who described himself as a devout Muslim is facing a count of first-degree arson for allegedly burning down a mosque where he had worshipped, authorities said Thursday.

Green Religion Movement Hopes Spill Wins Converts

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:06:08 GMT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Where would Jesus drill? Religious leaders who consider environmental protection a godly mission are making the Gulf of Mexico oil spill a rallying cry.

Police: Connecticut Priest Stole $1 Million For Male Escorts

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:17:39 GMT

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A Roman Catholic priest in Connecticut was charged Tuesday with stealing $1.3 million in church money over seven years to use for male escorts, expensive clothing and luxury hotels and restaurants

'Touchdown Jesus' Destroyed by Lightning

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:16:25 GMT

MONROE, Ohio - A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised along a highway was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm Monday night and burned to the ground, police said.

A Kings Ferry Church Celebrates 165 Years

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:04:05 GMT

KINGS FERRY, Fla. -- Sunday, the people of the Ephesus Baptist Church celebrated. The church has survived wars, the Great depression, and plans to expand.

Disgraced Megachurch Pastor Ted Haggard Forms New Church

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:39:07 GMT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Former megachurch pastor Ted Haggard said Wednesday that he will launch a new church from his Colorado Springs home, 3 1/2 years after he resigned from his ministry amid an embarrassing and devastating sex scandal.

Does Science Prove God Exists?

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:57:22 GMT

A professor at Tulane University in New Orleans says he found God through science and can prove He exists.

FBI: Suspect in Mosque Fire Used Pipe Bomb

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:37:37 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The FBI has not received many tips following the release of surveillance video showing a possible suspect in an explosion and fire at a Islamic mosque.

Local Muslim Leader, Interfaith Group Denounce Attack on Jacksonville Mosque

Wed, 12 May 2010 06:03:44 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A local Muslim leader believes the attack on the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida was meant to intimidate thousands of area Muslims after tensions boiled over in the city.

Police Call Explosion, Fire at Mosque Targeted, Possible Hate Crime

Tue, 11 May 2010 18:16:54 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Investigators are not saying that an explosion and fire set off Monday night at a mosque is a hate crime, but they are calling the attack "targeted."

Pope en route to Portugal

Tue, 11 May 2010 11:35:21 GMT

LISBON, Portugal -- Pope Benedict XVI has departed for a four-day trip to Portugal, where he plans to speak about Europe's economic crisis and to urge Europeans to uphold Christian values and seek solace in their faith.