Mark A. Kellner
Articles by Mark A. Kellner
Hulu will let Texas church promote services after reversing ‘religious indoctrination’ ban
Hulu will allow a church in Fort Worth, Texas, to air ads for a weeknight worship service after the streaming service reversed a decision to reject the 22-second spot as "religious indoctrination," the church's pastor says. Published February 29, 2024
Half of evangelicals see immigrants as drain on resources, new poll shows
Half of U.S. evangelicals said recent immigrants are a "drain on economic resources," while 37% said immigrants are a threat to "law and order" in a new survey. Published February 29, 2024
United Methodist Church faces 43% budget cut amid exodus of congregations
The United Methodist Church is facing a more than 40% cut in its four-year budget due to the exodus of thousands of congregations over policies on ordination and LGBTQ issues, according to the church's official news service. Published February 26, 2024
Higher Ground: Attacks against churches soar
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times. Published February 26, 2024
Israeli representatives find Christian allies at evangelical broadcasters’ event
Israelis at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention are finding sympathetic, if not enthusiastic, support -- especially among evangelicals. Published February 22, 2024
Religious group calls mockery of faith at a transgender funeral in NYC a ‘hate crime’
A Catholic advocacy group called on New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City District Attorney Alan Bragg to investigate what the group sees as a "hate crime" committed by transgender activists who arranged a funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City last week and openly mocked the church and Catholicism. Published February 21, 2024
‘Jesus’ decal on German taxi nets driver $1,000 fine threat
A Muslim convert to Christianity in Essen, Germany, has been threatened with a fine of EUR1,000 ($1,080.64 U.S.) for displaying a decal with a Bible verse on the rear window of his taxi. Published February 21, 2024
Attacks on U.S. churches more than doubled in 2023, Family Research Council says
Incidents of arson, vandalism and other hostile acts against U.S. churches rose to at least 436 last year, more than double the number recorded in 2022, the Family Research Council says. Published February 20, 2024
Southern Baptists asked to create independent nonprofit to combat sexual abuse, leaders told
Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention say they intend to establish a separate nonprofit organization to handle sexual abuse claims. Published February 20, 2024
Antisemitic incidents spur 10-fold increase in 2022 Jewish giving, survey finds
U.S. Jews who experienced antisemitism gave almost 10 times more to charity in 2022 than those who did not encounter anti-Jewish sentiment or acts, a survey reported Tuesday. Published February 19, 2024
St. Patrick’s Cathedral funeral for transgender activist prompts ‘Mass of Reparation,’ church says
Catholic officials in New York held a Mass of Reparation on Saturday following what it called "scandalous behavior" at a Thursday funeral for an atheist transgender woman and former sex worker. Published February 19, 2024
Higher Ground: Why did God allow the Lakewood Church shooting?
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times. Published February 19, 2024
Amid mainstream media meltdown, Christian broadcasters thrive and innovate to share message
Christian broadcasters gather this week in Nashville for the National Religious Broadcasters' International Christian Media Convention. Published February 18, 2024
Soldiers with religious dietary needs paying twice for meals at Fort Cavazos, group says
Dozens of soldiers at Fort Cavazos in Texas, whose religion requires dietary accommodations, are being forced to pay for meals their faith won't allow them to eat, according to an advocacy group. Published February 16, 2024
BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy’
Robert Hardman's "The Making of a King" looks at a world most readers will never directly experience. Published February 15, 2024
Democrats decry evangelical pastor Hibbs as ‘Christian nationalist’ after House prayer
A conservative California preacher invited to deliver the invocation as a guest chaplain in the U.S. House last month has drawn the ire of self-identified atheist Rep. Jared Huffman and 25 other House Democrats. Published February 15, 2024
Muslim parents in Minneapolis-area school district can pull children from sexuality, gender classes
Muslim parents in a suburban Minneapolis school district will be able to opt their children out of a gender identity and sexuality curriculum that's part of elementary school English classes. Published February 15, 2024
Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day confluence creates Catholic candy crisis
Observant Catholics face a significant choice this week: Do they fast for Ash Wednesday or feast on chocolates for Valentine's Day? Published February 13, 2024
U.S. Jews feel less secure after Hamas attacks, nearly half change behavior: Survey
Nearly half of U.S. Jews say they have changed their behavior for fear of attacks, with more than 40% saying they avoid doing anything that identifies them as Jewish. Published February 13, 2024
Accused shooter at Houston megachurch had history of mental illness, used male, female names
The 36-year-old woman who shot an AR-15 rifle inside Pastor Joel Osteen's megachurch in Houston on Sunday was known by police to have had mental health issues, and at least six arrests under a male name, Houston police said Monday. Published February 12, 2024
