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These missionaries returned safely to Greensboro this weekend, but their ordeal reminds the rest of us about the committment it takes to do this work. I'm sure there are a lot of great stories out there. What of the missionaries from your house of worship? What kind of stories have they returned to tell?

McCain faces fire over minister's views.
Obama's UCC membership could be a thorny issue.
Hillary Clinton's "double standard."

One analysis of 'the thunder, lightning and blaring of a trumpet' as written in Exodus.

Accused of soliciting male 'prostitute.'

A report on the state of religion shows that every religion is losing and gaining members, but that the Roman Catholic Church "has experienced the greatest net losses as a result of affiliation changes."

At least one gunman opened fire on youngsters studying. Incredible.

In Baghdad: "I saw a leg and a hand falling near me as I was walking."

This lawsuit boils down to one thing: whether religion is a requirement of leadership. You decide.

Visitors retrace faith at Billy Graham library.

A Vatican official has listed drugs, pollution, genetic manipulations as well as social and economic injustices as new areas of sinful behavior. While sin used to concern mostly the individual,he said, today it has mainly a social resonance.

California is set to become the only state to deny the vast majority of home schooling parents the right to teach their children at home. A state appeals court has decided California parents without teaching credentials do not have a right to home-school their children.
"This is an all-out assault on the family," says James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family.

BRAMPTON, Ont. - A judge has dismissed the case of a devout Sikh man who argued his religious rights were violated when he received a ticket for riding his motorcycle without a helmet. The judge said helmetless riding caused extra safety risks that would impose an undue hardship on the province. The man he should be exempt from the law requiring a helmet be worn while driving a motorcycle because it violates his constitutional rights to practice his religion requiring him to wear a turban at all times while outside his home.

Southern Baptists once dismissed climate change. Now, comes a vow to fight global warming.

Of the 11 Episcopal seminaries in the United States, one recently announced it would end its main residential program, another is shutting down one of its campuses, and a third is selling a good portion of its campus. The changes reflect not only each institution's own financial or enrollment straits but also changes that are coming in Episcopal seminary education, which has historically played a key role in American theological life.

Your guide to political activity of the religious community -- save your house of worship a visit from the IRS: Can a minister, rabbi, imam or other member of the clergy endorse a candidate from the pulpit or speak on political issues of interest to voters?

With our problems with drinking and driving, isn't this a bad idea, no matter the reasoning?

"Seventy-five years after Prohibition, beer aficionados in Alabama are fighting for the right to brew and chug as they please. That's raised the ire of Southern Baptists, who frown on alcohol in any form. As they jockey for advantage in the Legislature, one side quotes Scripture. The other cites BeerAdvocate.com. One talks morality. The other, malt."

Bumper sticker theology: the movie.

The movie explores what Merchant calls America''s "bumper-sticker culture" -- people tell others what they think but aren't willing to consider conflicting views.
"Clearly we've decided to have the national debate ... on our cars," Merchant said. "We won't talk to each other about these issues, but we'll stick the 'God said Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve' or 'Who would Jesus bomb?' on our cars."

WUNC radio is carrying a "Fresh Air" episode tonight at 7 on the religion of
the nation's founders and the myth of the Christian nation.

The pastor of the largest church in America, with a television audience of millions, will sign copies of his best-seller, "Become a Better You," at the Wendover Wal-Mart hours before an April 18 "worship event" at the Greensboro Coliseum .
Named the Most Influential Christian in America in 2006 and featured as one of Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People of 2006 ," Joel Osteen's ministry has also been criticized as "Christianity lite."
That hasn't stopped his "A Night of Hope with Joel Osteen," which kicks off here at 7:30 p.m. on April 18 , from selling out venues all over the country. The book signing for the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston is at noon, 4424 W. Wendover Ave.: Wal-Mart is working on the specifics of how it will take place.
My question to those of you who are planning to attend the worship event: Why? Has his ministry made an impact on your life? If you're a critic, what makes you leery of his style of ministry? And, if you simply have a question for Osteen, email me at Nancy.McLaughlin@news-record.com

Update: Here's the background, background .

Bishop Thomas Weeks admits he beat up his wife.

This is not the first time a faith community has allegedly been swindled out of money. But falling for that "low risk, high returns" on their money? Wasn't there a single person in the congregation who saw red flags? On the other hand, maybe pitches like these don't get past the pastor's desk at most houses of worship.

The Church of Scientology has launched a new video channel on its
official Web site. The Scientology Video Channel
provides a comprehensive overview of the basic beliefs and practices of the
religion while answering the question 'What is Scientology?'', as well as
information on the many humanitarian programs sponsored by the Church -- programs addressing drug abuse, illiteracy, human rights and disaster relief.

Local opportunities to view "Stations of the Cross."

From the Columbia Journalism Review:
"To be clear: I think it's more than appropriate for the media to be scrutinizing Wright (Obama's spiritual adviser). But given that Parsley (McCain's spiritual adviser) has a record of making equally offensive public statements (more offensive, I'd argue, but never mind), there’' clearly a double standard here:"

Yes, South Park is involved.

It's kind of hard browsing the news Web sites these days without appearing to be reading the gossip magazines or porn.
Wife denies gay ex-governor's claims of three-way trysts.
New governor, wife admit to past infidelities.

As part of Greensboro's bicentennial celebration, local houses of worship are asked to do a pulpit exchange with another house of worship. Later, they're asked to send a pew of members to the other church. It's a way of getting to know the neighbors -- something they say leaders of all faiths encourage their members to do.

"If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence," Tenzin Takhla said of the Dalai Lama.

Sorry for the extended absence. I had to drop everything on the 19th and rush away for a family medical emergency. I completely lost Easter, the Wright/Obama developments and other hot topics. I will try my best to get up to speed and get back on track. Check back later today and thanks for making the Front Pew one of your stops.

The curious lives of surrogates.

Laws have been passed striking down "legal shields" for parents who choose faith-healing over medical care for their children. Yet it continues to happen. Should the legal system give stiffer jail time or should we be more willing to allow parents to follow their faith, even if this is ocassionally the consequence?