Mark A. Kellner
Articles by Mark A. Kellner
Religious accommodations for Sikhs in Marine Corps backed by Muslim, Jewish groups
Members of the Sikh religion asking for Marine Corps accommodations for long hair and turbans have gained new allies, including a former secretary of the Army. Published November 2, 2022
Montgomery County Council unanimous in vote for antisemitism resolution
A unanimous Montgomery County Council on Tuesday passed a non-binding resolution affirming an internationally recognized definition of antisemitism and condemning anti-Jewish hatred. Published November 1, 2022
Half of U.S. Protestants want political agreement at church each week: survey
Half of American Protestants who attend church want to be part of a congregation that shares their political views, a recent survey shows. Published November 1, 2022
At 50, ‘Day of the Dead’ rituals have found home in U.S. families, commerce
What was an obscure Mexican celebration 50 years ago has exploded into a North American "fan favorite" in Hispanic and White communities, scholars said of the Nov. 1 celebration of "Dia de los Muertos," or "Day of the Dead." Published October 31, 2022
Counselor in same-sex marriage fired by Indiana Catholic school plans appeal
A guidance counselor in a same-sex marriage fired by a Catholic school plans to appeal the Sept. 30 dismissal of her lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Published October 31, 2022
Southern Baptist pastor in Northern Virginia issues amendment to exclude women as pastors
A Southern Baptist pastor in Northern Virginia is calling for the denomination's Executive Committee to advance an amendment to its constitution that would explicitly exclude women from holding the title of pastor. Published October 31, 2022
Wash. state can investigate evangelical university’s anti-LGBTQ hiring practices, judge rules
A federal judge in Washington state has tossed a lawsuit by a Christian university seeking to stop a state inquiry into the school's hiring practices that block LGBTQ individuals from full-time roles. Published October 28, 2022
Jewish couple asks Tennessee court to allow suit over religion-based foster care rejection
Attorneys for a Jewish couple in Knoxville, Tennessee, asked a state appellate court Thursday to allow their lawsuit against the state over a law that permits foster care agencies to deny services on the basis of religion. Published October 27, 2022
Presbyterian group to count ‘nonbinary/genderqueer’ members in next census, church says
One of America's oldest mainline Protestant churches is adding a "nonbinary/genderqueer" category to its annual statistical survey, with an official claiming the change boosts inclusivity. Published October 26, 2022
Settlement puts Buffalo Catholic Diocese under state supervision for new abuse claims
A rare submission by a Roman Catholic Church diocese to third-party oversight of its clergy was announced Tuesday when New York's attorney general said the state would monitor the Buffalo Diocese's management of sexual abuse complaints and allegations. Published October 26, 2022
U.S. Jewish leader says security improved four years after Pittsburgh synagogue attack
America's synagogues have "absolutely making progress" on critical security issues four years after the nation's worst antisemitic attack, according to one of the country's top Jewish leaders. Published October 26, 2022
Praying high school football coach to return to the field by March
The high school football coach whose termination for his postgame, on-field prayers was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in June will return to work in Bremerton, Washington, by mid-March, according to a joint stipulation filed by attorneys for both sides. Published October 26, 2022
First Hindu to lead British government will likely downplay the milestone, scholar says
Rishi Sunak, who on Tuesday became first Hindu prime minister in Britain's long history, will want to be known as a leader "who happens to be Hindu," one expert told a panel discussion on the milestone appointment Tuesday. Published October 25, 2022
Three senators ask Air Force secretary to explain Yom Kippur scheduling snafu at service academy
Three senators have asked Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to explain why the U.S. Air Force Academy scheduled a key training exercise for Yom Kippur, the most sacred day of observance in Judaism. Published October 25, 2022
Brit police pay settlement to arrested street preacher who criticized Islam at Speakers’ Corner
Britain's Metropolitan Police apologized and paid a woman they wrongfully arrested for preaching against Islam in London's famed Speakers' Corner, a settlement labeled "a rare admission" by an attorney who helped her. Published October 24, 2022
Yeshiva University allows Torah-friendly LGBTQ club while school fights pride group’s lawsuit
Yeshiva University, an orthodox Jewish tertiary school in New York City that went to the Supreme Court to block a "pride alliance" of LGBTQ students, said through its attorneys Monday they would sanction a club for those students on campus "willing to adhere to a Torah-based lifestyle." Published October 24, 2022
Late Justice Ginsburg to get ‘notorious’ honor on a 2023 U.S. postage stamp
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known as "Notorious RBG" by her fans, will gain even more notoriety next year when the U.S. Postal Service issues a commemorative stamp honoring her. Published October 24, 2022
Iranian Christians join protests over woman’s beating death: Reports
Five weeks of street protests in Iran have attracted and emboldened the Islamic republic's Christian minority, human rights advocates said Thursday. Published October 21, 2022
Animal welfare, religious slaughtering practices in spotlight at European Union session
An American diplomat said European laws governing the humane treatment of animals must include religious exemptions for Jewish and Islamic slaughtering practices, lest nations be seen as hostile to religious minorities. Published October 20, 2022
Trick or … leaflet? Pastors push connections, ‘Gospel tracts’ for Halloween, says survey
Protestant pastors have some advice for Christian families about Halloween: Use it to build relationships with neighbors, invite people to a church-related event or toss a religious leaflet into a trick-or-treaters' candy bag. Published October 20, 2022
