Mark A. Kellner
Articles by Mark A. Kellner
Thou shalt not print errors, so Bible proofreaders weed out typos, recipes
People have long found inspiration and insight in the Bible -- but never a recipe for chicken Parmesan, at least not on Chris Hudson's watch. Published January 4, 2024
Don’t ‘edit’ Bible, Franklin Graham warns British Methodists over ‘husband’ ‘wife’ word bans
American evangelist Franklin Graham accused the Methodist Church of the United Kingdom of trying to edit the Bible by asking pastors not to use "husband" and "wife" in sermons. Published January 3, 2024
Read the Bible like a regular book to get more from it, ministry head urges
A Christian ministry known for its pocket-sized devotional booklets is turning to a larger, book-formatted Bible presentation to engage readers with Scripture. Published January 3, 2024
Family-friendly actor Jesse Hutch aims to produce ‘uplifting’ films in new venture
Actor Jesse Hutch says there's a great need for wholesome, values-based fare -- so much so that he's getting into producing features and series as well as performing in front of the camera. Published January 2, 2024
Higher Ground: Faith stories of 2023 worth remembering
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 January 1, 2024
Bishops can opt diocese out of same-sex ‘blessings,’ Vatican says
The Vatican's doctrinal office head on Thursday appeared to provide an "out" for clerics not on board with its declaration last week that priests can bless individuals in "irregular" relationships, including same-sex couples, so long as the prayers do not mimic a marriage ritual. Published December 28, 2023
Crackdown on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia continues with new jail sentences, raids
A Russian court sentenced three Jehovah's Witnesses late last week to prison terms of six and one-half to seven and one-half years, on top of their pre-sentencing detention of 28 months each, the group reported Monday. Published December 27, 2023
Priest slammed for calling Jesus ‘a Palestinian Jew’ in Christmas Day CNN interview
A Catholic priest is under fire for his Christmas Day declaration that Jesus was "a Palestinian Jew born into an occupied country" as critics maintained the name "Palestine" was not applied to the territory until nearly a century after Christ's crucifixion. Published December 26, 2023
Higher Ground: Gov. Gavin Newsom wins a lump of coal
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 December 25, 2023
Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program helps keep children, incarcerated parents connected
Receiving a card or a small gift from an incarcerated parent can mean the world to many children during the holidays -- and a Christian nonprofit has been helping make those Christmas wishes come true for 41 years. Published December 21, 2023
Archbishop in Kazakhstan is first cleric to rebuke Pope Francis on same-sex blessings
An archbishop in Kazakhstan has become the first cleric to forbid priests from blessing same-sex couples and others in "irregular situations," according to media reports. Published December 21, 2023
Doubt can lead to spiritual certainty, megachurch pastor J.D. Greear says
The Rev. J.D. Greear says too many Christians believe a lie: that questioning or doubting their faith makes them "bad" believers or there's something defective with their faith. Published December 20, 2023
Study: Christian nationalists may not be the demons that some claim
A new study from a Christian outreach nonprofit says Christian nationalists are not the demons that some claim: They're highly likely to get involved in community service, interfaith issues and are not necessarily wed to the GOP. Published December 20, 2023
Religious liberty group bestows ‘Ebenezer Award’ on California Gov. Gavin Newsom
A religious liberty law firm has given California Gov. Gavin Newsom a huge lump of coal for his Christmas stocking. Published December 19, 2023
Vatican move on same-sex ‘blessings’ draws praise, criticism in U.S. flock
Pope Francis on Monday approved letting priests bless same-sex couples, sparking criticism from conservative Catholics and praise from the LGBTQ community. Published December 18, 2023
Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples, says ceremonies can’t resemble marriage
The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis has given formal approval to priests blessing same-sex couples. Published December 18, 2023
Higher Ground: Sermon prompted Mike Pence to put family first
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 December 18, 2023
American Christians follow Israel-Hamas war, favor a two-state solution: Survey
American Christians are closely following the Israel-Hamas war, with the majority favoring the defeat of Hamas and negotiations leading to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, a recent poll shows. Published December 17, 2023
Religious expressions, displays get new protection under 2023 defense authorization bill
Aggrieved atheists, annoyed agnostics and others troubled by a Nativity display, Hanukkah menorah or a poster celebrating Eid al-Fitr at a U.S. military base, might now have a harder time succeeding. Published December 14, 2023
Pope Francis says he’s better and won’t resign, but planning to be buried outside Vatican’s walls
Pope Francis says his health is improving and he does not intend to resign, even as he is making plans for his funeral. Published December 14, 2023
