Home > Christianity Today Magazine > Hot Issues > Politics & Law
The Tourist Attraction That Isn't There
Alabama's Ten Commandments monument still drawing visitors despite its absence from the state Supreme Court building.
By Roy Hoffman, Religion News Service, in Montgomery
posted 01/12/2004
'Swing Evangelicals'
Democrats seek to show that they also have faith-based values.
By Tony Carnes
posted 01/09/2004
Court Affirms Rights of Inmates
Prison officials may not place "substantial burden" on religious exercise
By RNS, with CT staff
posted 01/08/2004
One Nation Under God—Sort of
We've got bigger problems than the Pledge of Allegiance.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 01/07/2004
Peace in the Trash Can
Protestants disillusioned with Good Friday Agreement.
By Mary Cagney
posted 01/06/2004
An After-Christmas Gift
A homeless man, an angel, and a reminder about our final home.
By Lee Knapp
posted 12/23/2003
The Twelfth of Never
Bush administration drastically lowers goals for faith-based initiative.
By Tony Carnes in Washington
posted 12/22/2003
Threatening the Amish
How the Amish solve the legal problems of civil liberties
Compiled by Ted Olsen
posted 12/15/2003
Censoring Christmas
Public Christmas displays, like the Ten Commandments, are allowed—as long as they don't mean anything religious.
By Rob Moll
posted 12/11/2003
CT Classic: Work over Welfare
Former Illinois Senator Paul Simon discusses his plan to put the poor to work.
Interview by LaVonne Neff
posted 12/10/2003
Supremely Rejected
Lower-court decisions the Supreme Court let stand
Compiled by Ted Olsen
posted 12/01/2003
'A Man and a Woman'
Activists say the Federal Marriage Amendment will be the defining issue in the next election.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt
posted 11/24/2003
Ancient Christian Commentary on Current Events: What Is War Good For?
What early church leaders thought of Christians and the military.
By Joel Elowsky
posted 10/28/2003
'Jesus Tax' Plan Dies
Alabama's fiscal debate exposes a divide between Christians
By Collin Hansen
posted 10/10/2003
Accidental Revolutionary
How one woman fought for a just tax
By Collin Hansen
posted 10/10/2003
Go Figure
Recent figures on faith and politics
Compiled by Ted Olsen
posted 10/09/2003
God Reigns-Even in Alabama
Let's not make the Commandments into a graven image.
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 10/01/2003
Being the Leaven
Why only a handful of Sri Lankan Christians wage peace via the difficult political process.
By Tim Stafford
posted 09/29/2003
Bill Pryor, the Man in the Middle
Alabama attorney general catches flak from all sides.
Interview by Stan Guthrie
posted 09/24/2003
University Forbids 'Offensive' Tracts
Messianic Jew sues University of New Orleans over ban.
By Stan Guthrie
posted 09/17/2003
Violated Felons
Christians help lead federal campaign against prison rape.
By Mark Stricherz in Washington
posted 09/10/2003
How to Really Keep the Commandments in Alabama—and Elsewhere
Since when did the public display of the Ten Commandments become the eleventh commandment?
By Joseph Loconte
posted 09/03/2003
Quotation Marks
Recent comments about politics, bias against Christians, and Pat Robertson's support of Charles Taylor.
Compiled by Ted Olsen
posted 08/27/2003
The Unflappable Condi Rice
Why the world's most powerful woman asks God for help.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt
posted 08/22/2003
'The Privilege of Struggle'
How Rice understands suffering and prayer.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt
posted 08/22/2003
Hard Line on the Road Map
Can Rice put pressure on the nation she admires?
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt
posted 08/22/2003
Curbing Big Brother
Christians urge Ashcroft to respect freedom in surveillance law.
By Tony Carnes in Washington
posted 08/15/2003
Speaking Out: Israel's Anti-Family Values
Christians should be outraged by a law thwarting Israeli-Palestinian marriages.
By Gary M. Burge
posted 08/04/2003
Ken Connor Resigns from Family Research Council
Former trial lawyer now considering Senate bid favors judicial strategy over Federal Marriage Amendment.
By Tony Carnes
posted 07/30/2003
Courting Trouble
Christians oppose embedding Islamic tribunals in Kenya's new constitution.
By David Karanja in Nairobi
posted 07/22/2003
ANALYSIS
Religious Conservatives, Stalemated Despite Friends in High Office, Rethink Strategy
Supreme Court's sodomy decision causes fresh soul searching on effectiveness.
By Mark O'Keefe, Religion News Service
posted 07/16/2003
Cross Purposes
Wearing the Christian symbol can be a problem in places like Saudi Arabia and Pennsylvania.
By Ted Olsen
posted 07/14/2003
Federal Judge Rules Parts of Church Land-Use Law Unconstitutional
Groups plan to help Elsinore Christian Center appeal zoning case.
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service
posted 07/11/2003
Watch that Invocation
Prayer in Jesus' name forbidden in California legislative meetings.
By Marshall Allen in Pasadena
posted 07/08/2003
While Critics Worry About Continued FCC Deregulation, Christian Broadcasters Have Little to Fear
The few mom-and-pop religious stations remaining won't feel a significant change, say observers.
By Todd Hertz
posted 07/03/2003
Speaking Out: The Supreme Court Rejects Natural Law
It's now up to the churches to guard what is "graven on the heart of man."
By Uwe Siemon-Netto, UPI
posted 07/01/2003
Opinion Roundup: Does Lawrence v. Texas Signal the End of the American Family?
Evangelicals may not agree on antisodomy laws, but they're all concerned about what the Supreme Court's decision of them means.
By Ted Olsen and Todd Hertz
posted 06/30/2003
Ignoring God in the Constitution
Draft fails to acknowledge Europe's Christian heritage.
By Tomas Dixon in Ljungskile, Sweden
posted 06/25/2003
Speaking Out: Working Poor, Dropped from Tax Cut at Last Minute, May Be Helped After All
Biblical principles of justice support a graduated, progressive tax system in which those with more wealth pay a larger share.
By Ronald J. Sider
posted 06/13/2003
Opinion Roundup: The Evangelical View of Israel?
Evangelicals are more diverse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than we are led to believe.
By Todd Hertz
posted 06/11/2003
Quotation Marks
Recent comments about war, abortion, and the separation of church and state.
Compiled by Ted Olsen
posted 06/09/2003
The Mother of All Liberties
Full religious freedom for Iraq is not negotiable.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 06/02/2003
Vanity Watch
We can do better than merely mirror the naïveté of our enemies.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 05/28/2003
Sudan Peace Process Criticized
Bush acknowledges country's military activity, but does not impose threatened sanctions.
By Timothy R. Callahan
posted 05/21/2003
Faith-Based Lite
Administration still seeks 'revolutionary' change.
By Tony Carnes
posted 05/14/2003
No Religion-Based Zoning
Illinois Vineyard church wins right to worship in its own building.
By Bob Smietana in Chicago
posted 05/13/2003
A Strategy for Progress
Unless prevention of HIV/AIDS becomes a clear priority, things will get worse.
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 05/02/2003
Law and Disorder
Why your church might end up before a judge and jury, and what you can do to prevent it.
An interview with Richard Hammar
posted 05/01/2003
Battling Bigotry
Widow seeks to stem growing tide of hate crimes.
By Bob Smietana in Chicago
posted 04/30/2003
The Bush Doctrine
The moral vision that launched the Iraq war has been quietly growing in the president's inner circle.
By Tony Carnes
posted 04/25/2003
Free Speech for Politicians
God-talk in the public square is healthy.
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 04/25/2003
Marriage in the Dock
Massachusetts case on gay marriage could set off a chain reaction.
By John W. Kennedy
posted 04/25/2003
Civics for Gay Activists
We may see more die from HIV/AIDS because gay activists are intolerant.
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 04/10/2003
Malawi President Ends Church Feud by Stepping Down
The Presbyterian church spoke out against his attempts to change the constitution for a third term.
By Ecumenical News International
posted 04/04/2003
CT Classic: A Proposal to Tilt the Balance of Terror
For all Christians there are values that should be more precious than life itself.
A 1982 Christianity Today Editorial
posted 03/26/2003
CT Classic: Weeping over Baghdad
Desert Storm cost Iraq thousands of lives. At its conclusion, a Christianity Today editorial called for the church to deal with the living souls that remained.
By Lyn Cryderman
posted 03/21/2003
Churches Back Kenya's Truth Commission
Panel will examine allegations of murder and corruption under former president.
By Fredrick Nzwili, ENI, Nairobi
posted 03/18/2003
Charitable-choice Battle Brewing
Jewish group sues over Americorps support for religious groups.
By Lisa Griffin in Washington
posted 02/26/2003
Weapons of the Spirit
Regardless of their positions on Iraq, Christians have much they can do.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 02/25/2003
Churches Celebrate Kenya's New President
They are pushing for health care, free education, and an improved economy.
By Sam Gonza, ENI, Nairobi
posted 02/20/2003
Hispanic Swing Vote Potentially Volatile
But overwhelming support for prayer in schools, vouchers, and charitable choice didn't translate into support for Bush over Gore.
By Jeff M. Sellers
posted 02/14/2003
Jerry Thacker: Politics Muddies Fight Against AIDS
The politics of homosexuality has made it easier to battle the disease in foreign countries than domestically, says a former nominee to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS.
An interview with Jerry Thacker
posted 02/07/2003
Go Figure
What role did abortion play in the congressional race?
By Ted Olsen
posted 01/08/2003
Split Families in Limbo
Relief agencies push Bush to reverse sharp decline in refugee resettlement program.
By Tim Callahan in Washington
posted 12/13/2002
New Congress, New Agenda
Abortion, judgeships, cloning ban are top priorities for conservative Christians.
By Mark Stricherz in Washington
posted 12/11/2002
FDA Candidate Irks Abortion Pill Advocates
The Christian Medical Association says critics fear David Hager's "well-grounded" opposition.
By Religion News Service
posted 11/26/2002
Sudan Peace Act 'Has Teeth'
But Sanctions are at President's discretion.
By Tim Callahan in Washington
posted 11/26/2002
Civic-Minded and Heavenly Good
How Christians should practice 'right politics.'
By James W. Skillen
posted 11/15/2002
Evangelicals Grow as Political Force in Brazil
New interest in public policy fuels election wins.
By George Guilherme in Recife, Brazil
posted 11/15/2002
New Study Answers Many Criticisms of White House's Plans
Hudson Institute's "Fruitful Collaborations" underscores the need for hiring freedom.
By Mark Stricherz in Washington
posted 11/01/2002
Faith-Based Legislation Stalled
White House moves ahead on regulatory, funding fronts.
By Mark Stricherz in Washington
posted 11/01/2002
House: No Church Politicking
The Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act fails 239-178.
By Religion News Service
posted 10/30/2002
Faith Restricted in Belarus
New law makes it harder than ever to be non-Orthodox.
By Lincoln Brunner in Minsk
posted 10/28/2002
Churches vs. Homeowners
Legal experts assess last week's appeals court decision that houses of worship may be "incompatible with a place of quiet seclusion."
By Todd Hertz
posted 10/23/2002
Speaking Out: The USCIRF Is Only Cursing the Darkness
The increasingly irrelevant U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom seems intent on attacking even those countries making improvements.
By Robert A. Seiple
posted 10/16/2002
Latvian Churches Say Poll Result Boosts Christian Voices In Legislature
Election sees victory by center-right parties and birth of new "Christian values" party.
By Jonathan Luxmoore in Warsaw
posted 10/14/2002
A Crack in the Wall
Two recent books help explain Thomas Jefferson's intent for "separation of church and state."
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 10/10/2002
Not so Fast
Some New Hampshire Christians don't buy candidate's excuse for losing.
By Ted Olsen
posted 10/03/2002
Bully Culprit
Can a pre-emptive strike against the tyrant of Baghdad be justified?
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 09/30/2002
French 'Cult' Report Legally Worthless
Courts cannot use the 1996 document in decisions.
By Jonathan Hanley in Cavaillon, France
posted 09/26/2002
Christian Leaders Respond to Bush's National Security Strategy
The White House outlines foreign policy in a changing world.
By Todd Hertz
posted 09/25/2002
Election Day Jitters
Low voter turnout may hinder profamily agenda
By Mark Stricherz in Washington
posted 09/20/2002
Costco Denied
Judge rules that government can't take church land and give it to a business.
By Marshall Allen in Los Angeles
posted 09/19/2002
Breakaway Church Can Keep Property
Court ruling could initiate examination of denomination and church bylaws.
By Religion News Staff, CT staff
posted 09/17/2002
Transcending Security
The rightful fear of anthrax is not the beginning of wisdom.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 09/11/2002
Devout Christian Gains Prime Minister's Post in the Netherlands
Cautious Dutch evangelicals take a wait-and-see stance concerning new leader.
By Benjamin Louwerse in Amsterdam
posted 08/29/2002
Group Appeals Menorah Ruling
"Official mark" status revoked for Chosen People Ministries' design.
By Carol Lowes in Toronto
posted 08/21/2002
European Disunion
Churches push for acknowledgment of Europe's "spiritual heritage."
By Ted Olsen
posted 08/12/2002
Zambian President Takes Action After Churches Criticize Him
Mwanawasa surprises observers with his efforts to rout political corruption.
By Ecumenical News International
posted 08/08/2002
Jesus for President
A Brazilian election judge sues Jesus for early campaigning.
By Ted Olsen
posted 07/22/2002
Christian Leaders Call for National Unity After Riots in Peru
National Council of Evangelicals "emphatically condemns" violence, calls for reassessment of nation's economic policies.
By Rebecca Howard in Lima
posted 07/09/2002
Prison Rape Is No Joke
As 7-Up pulls offensive advertisement, evangelicals continue to combat prisoner rape.
By Ted Olsen
posted 07/09/2002
Federal Appeals Court Says 'Under God' in Pledge of Allegiance Is Unconstitutional
Schools can't ask children to swear loyalty to monotheism, says Ninth Circuit panel.
By Ted Olsen
posted 06/27/2002
Is God an American Institution?
The Ninth Circuit Court's decision is about more than the mention of God in a patriotic ritual, it goes to the heart of the debate about our nation's spiritual heritage.
By John W. Whitehead
posted 06/27/2002
Canadian Alliance Changes Leaders
New opposition party head Stephen Harper wants to be less divisive.
By Irving Hexham in Calgary, Alberta
posted 06/26/2002
Charity Defies California Law on Contraception
Court to decide if state can require Catholic ministries to pay for birth control.
By Mark A. Kellner in Los Angeles
posted 06/25/2002
Bills Would Unmuzzle Churches in Politics
Legislation would allow houses of worship to directly engage in politics without losing tax-exempt status.
By Kevin Eckstrom, RNS
posted 06/24/2002
Heresy Charge Torpedoes Pastor's Political Debut
Tulsa Christian leaders reject Pearson's 'gospel of inclusion' as universalism.
By LaTonya Taylor
posted 06/12/2002
Growing Protestants, Catholics Draw Ire
New law would expand special status for Russian Orthodoxy.
By Felix Corley and Geraldine Fagan, Keston News Service
posted 06/07/2002
Menorah Wars
Canadian Jews sue Chosen People Ministries over use of ancient symbol.
By Carol Lowes in Toronto
posted 06/05/2002
Opinion Roundup: Are Evangelicals the 'New Internationalists?'
Evangelical leaders say New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof is mostly right, but late.
By Todd Hertz
posted 05/29/2002
Falwell, ACLU Fight Church Restrictions
Virginia laws prohibiting church incorporation found unconstitutional.
By LaTonya Taylor
posted 05/28/2002
GOP Seeks Black Clergy Affiliations
Republicans say that attracting minorities is their "number one priority."
By Ted Olsen
posted 05/22/2002
Give Us a [Tax] Break
It is the state's business to discourage what hurts the community and encourage what builds it up.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 05/13/2002
Parsonage in Peril
Congress protects tax exemption.
By Ted Olsen
posted 05/13/2002
Fatal Revelations
Massachusetts battles parents in tiny sect after two children die.
By Bob Smietana in Attleboro, Massachusetts
posted 05/03/2002
'A Time of Justice'
California congregation plays critical role in arrest of sex abuser.
By Corrie Cutrer
posted 04/26/2002
Coverups Prompt Demands for Resignation
New evidence suggests Boston archbishop protected known pedophile priests.
By Religion News Service
posted 04/26/2002
Not in the Job Description
Christians step outside their jobs to give Bible lessons.
By Ted Olsen
posted 04/25/2002
Bring on the Pentagrams
Schools wrestle with religious freedom in the classroom.
By Ted Olsen
posted 04/10/2002
Salvation Army Eyes Registration Victory
After a long legal battle in Moscow, the Army gets hope "that there is justice."
By Geraldine Fagan, Keston News Service
posted 04/01/2002
Sidestepping Pluralism
National Prayer Breakfast drops Muslim from program.
By Tony Carnes in Washington, D.C.
posted 03/26/2002
Faith-Based Give-in
Compromise bill for religious nonprofits gains grudging support.
By John W. Kennedy
posted 03/14/2002
Catholic Welcome for Israeli Decision on Controversial Mosque in Nazareth
Allowing the mosque to be built would be seen as yielding to violence, Israeli official says
By Ross Dunn in Jerusalem
posted 03/11/2002
Shortchanging Charities
Americans will surrender their constitutional values if nobody acts to expand Charitable Choice.
A Christianity Today editorial
posted 03/07/2002
Government Rethinks Nazareth Mosque
A special committee debates whether the new structure would overwhelm the adjacent church site.
By Religion News Service
posted 02/28/2002
Religious Bias Case Back on Track
Federal appeals court reinstates Victoria Leyva's religious discrimination suit.
By LaTonya Taylor
posted 02/27/2002
Churches Seek Help in Abuse Suits
Mediation may help in determining financial liability in Canadian abuse cases.
By Religion News Service
posted 02/27/2002
Court Strips Faith Works of State Funds
Wisconsin vows to appeal setback of Bush-supported initiative.
By Chuck Fager
posted 02/20/2002
Flier Shuns Abaya
Air Force officer fights rule requiring her to wear Muslim covering.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt in Washington, D.C.
posted 02/19/2002
The Holy City
A mayoral ban in Inglis, Florida designates the town free of Satan.
By Ted Olsen
posted 02/12/2002
The State of the Faith-Based Initiative
One year after Bush outlined his plan to let religious social-service groups compete for government funds, little has actually made it through Congress.
By Ted Olsen
posted 01/30/2002
Implacable Foes Find (Some) Common Ground on Faith-Based Initiatives
Diverse working group's recommendations represent the minimum, not the maximum, that is politically possible.
By Ron Sider
posted 01/30/2002
Midterm Exams
GOP, Democrats count on religious vote for congressional campaigns.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt in Washington, D.C.
posted 01/29/2002
Trafficking in Religion
If caught for speeding, you can pray instead of pay.
By Ted Olsen
posted 01/28/2002
Peru's Supreme Court Rules Against de Vinate
Inter-American human rights court may be the evangelical's last hope.
By Deann Alford
posted 01/24/2002
Australian Governor-General Feels Heat Over Handling of Abuse Case
Former Anglican archbishop Peter Hollingworth denies that he failed to offer support to victim's family.
By Margaret Simons in Sydney
posted 01/24/2002
Australian Church's Sexual Assault Crisis Deepens
Former Anglican priest in New South Wales sentenced to 11 years in prison.
By Margaret Simons in Sydney
posted 01/24/2002
Czech Churches Protest Against Law Bringing Religion Under State Control
New legislation limits church projects, gives government jurisdiction over opening places of worship.
By Jonathan Luxmoore
posted 01/18/2002
Bishop Appeals For End To Violence In Zimbabwe
Political intimidation has mounted in the run-up to the March presidential election.
By Ecumenical News International
posted 01/11/2002
Tanks at the Manger
Some would like to forget that Christmas—and religion in general—has political significance.
By James W. Skillen
posted 01/02/2002
News Roundup: Merry … Um … 'Holiday'
The annual "December dilemma" finds public institutions striving to be sensitive to all faiths.
By Todd Hertz
posted 12/19/2001
Violence Erupts in Sri Lanka as Churches Look to New PM to Bring Peace
The island nation reels from an ethnic conflict which has claimed more than 64,000 lives since 1983.
By Anto Akkara in Colombo
posted 12/19/2001
Aid Workers Urge Foreign Political Intervention in Afghanistan
Ethnic tensions and frequent violence threaten stabilization in the country.
Paul Jeffrey in Peshawar, Pakistan
posted 11/26/2001
Witnesses Accused of Failing to Report Abuse
Two sisters are suing Watchtower Bible and Tract Society over policy to keep suspicions of sexual crime within the church.
Corrie Cutrer
posted 11/20/2001
Government Decision To Settle Residential School Cases Upsets Churches
Religious leaders complain that the settlement proposal was made without their input.
Ferdy Baglo
posted 11/20/2001
Law Could Curb Foreign Donations To Churches, Indian Christians Worry
Stringent legislation is aimed at cutting off terrorist funding, but could hurt non-government organizations.
Anto Akkara in New Delhi
posted 11/09/2001
Shaking Hands with Thugs
Sometimes setting aside human rights is the way to ensure their ultimate victory.
A Christianity Today Editorial
posted 11/07/2001
Justice Delayed
Sudan Peace Act may be a casualty of the war on terrorism.
Art Moore
posted 11/02/2001
High Court to Take Up Vouchers
Justices have agreed to determine constitutionality of Ohio program.
LaTonya Taylor
posted 11/01/2001
Moscow Bans Salvation Army
Embattled ministry appeals judicial ruling.
CT Wire Services
posted 10/31/2001
Planned Law on Religious Hatred Prompts Protests
Critics fear that Britain's religious freedom legislation might have the opposite effect.
Cedric Pulford in London
posted 10/29/2001
Sandinista Candidate Divides Evangelicals
Some Christians fear return of Daniel Ortega to the presidency of Nicaragua.
Deann Alford
posted 10/18/2001
Leaders Press for Refugee Asylum
Christians demand Australian government show compassion.
Dave Crampton
posted 10/17/2001
Opinion Roundup: What Does 09.11.01 Mean for Religious Liberty Policy?
Persecution watchdogs fear religious freedom will suffer.
Todd Hertz
posted 10/10/2001
Criminal Attacks on Polish Churches Prompt Security Campaign
Armed robberies of Roman Catholic parishes have quadrupled since the early 1990s.
Jonathan Luxmoore
posted 10/09/2001
Survey points to 'growing concern' about violence against British clergy
Clergy homes are often clearly marked making them targets for violence.
Cedric Pulford in London
posted 10/09/2001
Christianity Today
 News You Can't Get Anywhere Else!
Christianity Today provides trustworthy news, in-depth
interviews with respected Christian leaders, intriguing
articles on current events, and thought-provoking
columns you can't find anywhere else. Sign-up today
for 3 risk-FREE trial issues.
Give Christianity Today as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
| | | |
 |
Ever wonder what the Bible says about money and giving?
The Money & the
Bible newsletter
shares personal
conversations with
real people. Learn of
their blessings,
struggles, and joys.
Read biblical
commentary. Take a
survey. Share real-life
questions. Enjoy a
Leadership cartoon.
|
www.CTIFoundation.org
|
|
|
|
