The birth control debate

U.S. President Barack Obama talks about providing states flexibility under reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act in the East Room of the White House in Washington, February 9, 2012. President Obama said on Thursday he was granting 10 U.S. states exemptions from parts of the 'No Child Left Behind' education law, a move that could prove popular in an election year with parents and teachers who have criticized the law. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS EDUCATION)

Obama compromises on birth-control rule

N.C. Aizenman, Peter Wallsten and Karen Tumulty

After Catholic Church outrage, White House says insurerers, not religious institutions, will bear burden.

Cast your vote: Religious freedom vs. women’s rights

Cast your vote: Religious freedom vs. women’s rights

On Faith

Did Obama administration strike the right balance between religious freedom and women’s rights?

U.S. bishops: Birth control change ‘a first step in the right direction’

U.S. bishops: Birth control change ‘a first step in the right direction’

Elizabeth Tenety

“While there may be an openness to respond to some of our concerns, we reserve judgment on the details until we have them.”

A battle to protect the revolutionary gains of America’s women

A battle to protect the revolutionary gains of America’s women

Lisa Miller

To hold the consciences of a few loud voices over the private needs of families is not just unfair. It is unconscionable.

News

The Gospel according to Obama

The Gospel according to Obama

Charles Krauthammer

The president’s contradictory theologies.

From the On Faith Blog Network

Did the bishops forget about women?

Did the bishops forget about women?

Jon O’Brien

It’s perplexing that the bishops have used their authority to declare that the vast majority of Catholic women who do use a modern form of birth control are beyond the pale.

Susan G. Komen head responds to criticism of Planned Parenthood move

Susan G. Komen head responds to criticism of Planned Parenthood move

Washington Post staff

In her first public statement since her organization reversed a decision to cut funding to Planned Parenthood, Nancy Brinker said that “I made some mistakes” in the case.

Religion on the campaign trail

(Andrew Buckley / AP)

  • Religion on the campaign trail

    Religion on the campaign trail

    Scenes of religious faith meeting politics in the 2012 campaign.

    http://img2.wpdigital.net/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/08/SocialIssues-Religion-Immigration/Images/Santorum_2012_04562-623.jpg 296 197

Are clergy public servants?

Are clergy public servants?

Brad Hirschfield

Is a new regulation about student loan forgiveness hostile to religion?

A life touched by faith

A life touched by faith

Sally Quinn

Roma Downey, who played the Irish angel Monica on the hugely popular TV series “Touched by an Angel,” says she want to give the rest of her life to ‘glorify God.’

Bishop: Maryland should embrace marriage equality

Bishop: Maryland should embrace marriage equality

Mariann Edgar Budde

Episcopal leader calls for support of bill backing same-sex unions.

Faith, bigotry and the U.S. military

Faith, bigotry and the U.S. military

Michael L. ‘Mikey’ Weinstein

Obama’s false portrayal of a military working together is a dangerous distraction from the perils of a Christian Fundamentalist tsunami which has sowed division and bigotry.

Scenes from the abortion debate

Scenes from the abortion debate

The Catholic Church is credited with leading the antiabortion movement for decades, but religious arguments shape the pro-choice side, too.

On Faith / Local

Religion

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign (1:24)

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign (1:24)

Muslim groups are calling for New York's police commissioner to step down because of his appearance in a film they say paints them in a bad light. (Jan. 26)
Atheist billboard sparks debate in Denver

Atheist billboard sparks debate in Denver

A Denver, Colo. billboard isn't even up yet and it is already sparking a huge debate. KCNC-TV's Dominic Garcia reports.
Imam: Marines behavior is 'reprehensible' (1:26)

Imam: Marines behavior is 'reprehensible' (1:26)

New York-based Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid says video depicting what appears to be four Marines urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters is reprehensible and the Marines should be held accountable. (Jan. 12)
Catholics around the world mark Epiphany

Catholics around the world mark Epiphany

Revelers around the world gathered on Thursday evening to mark the eve of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the story of the coming of the Three Kings, also known as the three wise men or magi, to baby Jesus. (Jan. 5)
Muslim leaders to boycott NYC prayer breakfast

Muslim leaders to boycott NYC prayer breakfast

Activists upset at police efforts to spy on Muslims plan to skip Mayor Michael Bloomberg's annual year-end interfaith breakfast, saying Bloomberg shouldn't be defending the tactics. (Dec. 29)
Bethlehem, Nazareth light Christmas trees

Bethlehem, Nazareth light Christmas trees

Christmas trees were lit up across the Middle East on Thursday evening in the traditional birthplace and homeland of Jesus. (Dec. 15)
Pope meets with new leader of Italy

Pope meets with new leader of Italy

Pope Benedict XVI has had his first meeting with Italy's new leader on the tarmac of Rome's airport just before taking off for a trip to Africa. (Nov. 18)
Would Joel Osteen officiate a gay marriage?

Would Joel Osteen officiate a gay marriage?

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and his views on homosexuality and whether he would ever attend or officiate a gay marriage.
Joel Osteen on Pastor Robert Jeffress and Mormonism

Joel Osteen on Pastor Robert Jeffress and Mormonism

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and the controversial comments made by Rick Perry supporter Pastor Robert Jeffress on Mormonism.
Joel Osteen on his 'Night of Hope'

Joel Osteen on his 'Night of Hope'

The Washington Post's Sally Quinn sat down with megapastor Joel Osteen to talk about his new book, "Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week," and his upcoming 'Night of Hope' which will be held in Washington, D.C. next April in Nationals park.
Norvel becomes first African American to head Josephites

Norvel becomes first African American to head Josephites

Father William Norvel is celebrating mass at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic church in Baltimore. This summer he became the first African American to head a Catholic order, the Josephites, a group of Catholic priests who came from Europe 140 years ago to minister to freed slaves.
Controversial pope statue to change

Controversial pope statue to change

The artist pilloried over a statue of the late Pope John Paul II has been given a chance at redemption, agreeing to make changes to his work. But whether the sculptor can and will do enough to pacify his critics remains to be seen. (Sept. 28)

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