Religion https://www.durangoherald.com/section/religion/feed/ Stay informed with the latest breaking news, local stories, sports, business, weather, and community events from Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the Four Corners region. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:22:01 -0600 en-us 30 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/durango-spiritual-experiences-group-hosts-meetings/ Each meeting offers a new spiritual topic for discussion. Participants practice exercises and contemplation, and discuss how to incorporate lessons into daily life and expand awareness. This Meetup group, sponsored by Eckankar as a community service, is a spiritual resource... Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:30:39 -0600 C0596775-B664-0C5B-E053-0100007F510C https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/vaccine-skepticism-runs-deep-among-white-evangelicals/ Some of the critics wondered if worshippers would now need “vaccine passports” to enter The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina, where Greear is pastor. Others depicted the vaccines as satanic or unsafe, or suggested Greear was complicit in government... Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:11:48 -0600 BF3FD263-51BB-7BCF-E053-0100007F1D08 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/spiritual-experiences-group-of-durango-to-host-discussions/ 7 p.m. Wednesday: “Soul Travel.” 10:30 a.m. April 11: “Creative Power of Soul.” 3 p.m. April 12: “What is True Happiness.”7 p.m. April 14: “The Power of Gratitude.”7 p.m. April 17: “Who Can I Trust When All Else Fails.”7 p.m.... Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:18:09 -0600 BEDA64AD-4684-30F7-E053-0100007FF96D https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/pinon-hills-church-in-farmington-to-host-in-person-easter-service/ Pastor Matt Mizell will offer an Easter worship and a message. Pinon Hills Kids will host an Easter egg hunt and more. For more information, visit www.pinonhillschurch.com. Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:56:17 -0600 BEB31D01-F879-2FC0-E053-0100007F3B88 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/first-southern-baptist-church-to-host-apologetics-course/ The course is designed to equip today’s Christian with the essential elements of sharing their story with others. The class will be taught by Tom Cummins and will meet weekly. All are welcome but space is limited. The church will... Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:29:40 -0600 BE75F661-4D43-692C-E053-0100007F6A93 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/summit-church-to-host-holy-week-services/ Palm Sunday: 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Palm branches will be available in a box outside the church on the pickup shelf. Both services will be livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and on the church’s website. Maundy Thursday: 7... Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:48:07 -0600 BE2B2422-BBBA-7202-E053-0100007FB259 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/faith-leaders-get-covid-19-shot-to-curb-vaccine-reluctance/ The interfaith “vaccine confidence” event targeted in particular Black, Latino and other communities of color, with the aim of overcoming reluctance among populations disproportionately hit by a pandemic that has killed more than a half-million people in the country. “Over... Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:53:40 -0600 BE2B2422-BBBB-7202-E053-0100007FB259 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/jesuits-in-u-s-pledge-100m-for-racial-reconciliation/ Photographs of descendants of enslaved people who were sold by Georgetown University and the Maryland Jesuits to southern Louisiana in 1838. In March 2021, the U.S.-based branch of the Jesuits has unveiled ambitious plans for a “truth and reconciliation” initiative... Tue, 16 Mar 2021 23:27:46 -0600 BDAEE6FD-AF03-5436-E053-0100007F215D https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/lgbtq-catholics-stung-by-vatican-rebuff-of-same-sex-unions/ Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, said her organization’s membership includes same-sex couples who have been together for decades, persevering in their love for one another in the face of bias and family rejection. “The fact that our church at... Tue, 16 Mar 2021 23:27:40 -0600 BDAEE6FD-AF02-5436-E053-0100007F215D https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/united-methodist-conservatives-plan-for-a-breakaway/ Church could split over differences about LGBTQ issues Sat, 06 Mar 2021 07:03:09 -0700 BCD0418F-1DE3-7C01-E053-0100007F54C9 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/black-americans-attend-church-and-pray-more-often/ Survey explores patterns of religious life Mon, 22 Feb 2021 22:26:38 -0700 BBF39790-8D5D-2C65-E053-0100007F6746 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/religious-leaders-assess-biden-with-hope-and-dismay/ Associated Press file<br><br>President-elect Joe Biden departs the St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church on Jan. 16 in Wilmington, Del. Donald Trump’s departure from the White House and the start of Biden’s presidency have stirred new hopes among many religious... Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:03:06 -0700 BAC21A67-2F68-1688-E053-0100007F94C1
President-elect Joe Biden departs the St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church on Jan. 16 in Wilmington, Del. Donald Trump’s departure from the White House and the start of Biden’s presidency have stirred new hopes among many religious leaders in the United States, while causing dismay among others. For leaders of the two largest Christian denominations – the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention – the paramount concern about the Biden administration is its strong support for abortion rights.du1-i-syn Donald Trump’s departure from the White House and the start of Joe Biden’s presidency have stirred new hopes among many religious leaders in the United States, while causing dismay among others. Here’s a look at some of the issues that major faiths will be grappling with as the new administration takes shape. Abortion For leaders of the two largest Christian denominations in the U.S. – the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention – the paramount concern about the Biden administration is its strong support for abortion rights. Biden, a practicing Catholic, already has rolled back some Trump policies aimed at curbing abortion access. On Jan. 22, the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision establishing a nationwide right to abortion, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said they would seek to enshrine that right into federal law to protect it from court challenges. That stance was assailed by Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, who is chairman the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “It is deeply disturbing and tragic that any president would praise and commit to codifying a Supreme Court ruling that denies unborn children their most basic human and civil right,” he said. The Rev. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said in a recent radio broadcast that Biden “is entirely, unquestionably sold out to the abortion rights movement.” Clergy of other denominations who support abortion rights, including from mainline Protestant churches and the Reform and Conservative branches of Judaism, will likely embrace the administration’s efforts to expand access. “We’re not pro-choice in spite of our faith – we’re pro-choice because of our faith,” said the Very Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, an Episcopal priest and president of the National Abortion Federation. LGBTQ rights vs. religious freedom Another issue uniting Catholic and Southern Baptist leaders is concern about expanding nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. They say such measures – some already taken and others expected later – could infringe on religious freedom for faiths that oppose same-sex marriage and question the inclusion of gender identity in nondiscrimination policies. In a recent statement, five prominent bishops warned about “the imposition of new attitudes and false theories on human sexuality which can produce social harms.” Massimo Faggioli, a Villanova University theology professor who authored a book about Biden and U.S. Catholicism, said these issues will fuel serious tensions. The bishops, he said, fear Catholic institutions will lose their right to provide government-subsidized social services if they do not abide by certain nondiscriminatory policies. Francis DeBernardo with New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ Catholics, predicted that Biden will find a balance even as he bolsters LBGTQ rights. “As a person deeply committed to his church, he is not likely to trample on the religious liberties of faith institutions,” DeBernardo said. Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, another conservative denomination, may be relieved at Trump’s departure and willing to work with Biden on some issues, said Matthew Bowman, chairman of Mormon studies at Claremont Graduate University in California. Bowman said they would likely ask that any new nondiscrimination initiatives provide expansive exemptions for religious institutions, however, including faith-based schools such as Brigham Young University. Immigration Faith-based groups have called for raising the annual cap on refugee admissions to the U.S. and relief for beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which shields some young immigrants from deportation. Evangelical organizations that assist refugees offered advance praise for Biden’s expected raising of the admissions ceiling after what one called “numerous harmful changes” under Trump. Leaders of the Catholic bishops’ conference cheered Biden for shoring up DACA on his first day in office, while urging him to go further by creating a path to citizenship for its beneficiaries as a “first step” toward a broader overhaul. Racial inequality Many denominations in the U.S. have committed to combating racial injustice. Their leaders were critical of Trump’s divisive rhetoric and expect Biden and Harris to make substantive efforts to reduce racial inequality. “It’s my hope that the administration will do everything they can to promote racial justice, truth-telling and healing,” said Michael Curry, the first African American to serve as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He added that criminal justice and education are areas where racial disparities must be addressed. The Rev. Terri Hord Owens, the first African American to lead the Disciples of Christ, was encouraged by the Biden transition team’s extensive outreach to faith leaders and hopes the administration can address economic inequality in ways that will simultaneously combat racial injustice. The chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Committee on Racism, Bishop Shelton Fabre with the Houma-Thibodaux diocese in Louisiana, said differences with Biden over abortion won’t prevent cooperation on race-related matters. “While we have strong disagreements regarding abortion and other issues … I nonetheless look forward to working together to address racism as it impacts society and individuals,” Fabre said. The Rev. Russell Moore, head of the Southern Baptists’ public policy arm, acknowledged that some white evangelicals don’t consider racial inequality a high-priority issue. But he argued that it’s crucial to develop a “Christian vision of racial justice” and said an increasing number of multi-ethnic evangelical churches share his view. Domestic security The Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol lent fresh urgency to the debate over combating domestic security threats, including hate crimes targeting houses of worship in recent years. Faith-based groups such as the Jewish Orthodox Union lauded an increase in federal grant money for protection at religious institutions, aid that’s distributed through a program Biden vows to strengthen. But discussion of expanding legal authority to prosecute alleged domestic terrorists has raised alarms among civil rights groups, including Muslim organizations that fear it could be unduly deployed against minority communities. Among the 135 groups signing a letter last month opposing establishment of a new domestic terrorism charge or “other expansion of existing terrorism-related authorities” were six Muslim American groups, three Jewish American groups and the United Church of Christ. Pandemic relief Religious leaders have played a central role in aiding communities wracked by the pandemic, and their representatives have stepped forward in recent days to seek more help from Washington. The Circle of Protection, an influential alliance of Christian leaders, wrote to the White House and Congress in January to offer proposals for prioritization in any future pandemic relief package. The Circle urged that any direct relief payments be focused on people “beneath or near the poverty line” and that the package include boosts to nutrition aid and the Earned Income Tax Credit and help for fighting the coronavirus abroad in poor nations. Signatories to the letter included leaders from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church and the National Association of Evangelicals.]]> https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/christianity-on-display-at-capitol-riot-sparks-new-debate/ A man holds a Bible as Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol in Washington. The Christian imagery and rhetoric on view during Jan. 6’s Capitol insurrection are sparking renewed debate about the societal effects of melding Christian faith with an... Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:18:22 -0700 BA4CF84A-C366-274D-E053-0100007FC469 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/trump-supporting-christian-leaders-and-their-messages/ After Capitol riot, their sermons were wide-ranging Wed, 13 Jan 2021 23:12:38 -0700 B8D62352-6ADD-211A-E053-0100007F0978 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/how-st-ignatius-just-might-help-you-keep-that-resolution/ Ignatius of Loyoia. Vintage engraving. From Popular France, 1869.Adobe Stock Almost inevitably, in a few short weeks, many find they are unable to meet their goals of self-improvement, be it keeping a positive attitude, improving one’s health or looking for... Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:03:06 -0700 B869C999-B3BD-56BD-E053-0100007F2421 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/first-presbyterian-church-durango-to-host-virtual-christmas-eve-service/ For the Zoom link and other options to see the service, visit www.fpcdurango.org. Sun, 20 Dec 2020 04:03:06 -0700 B6739BE7-CC9D-467D-E053-0100007F98D1 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/more-u-s-churches-are-committing-to-racism-linked-reparations/ And the Minnesota Council of Churches cites a host of injustices – from mid-19th century atrocities against Native Americans to police killings of Black people – in launching a first-of-its kind “truth and reparations” initiative engaging its 25 member denominations.... Mon, 14 Dec 2020 19:43:08 -0700 B6739BE7-CC9C-467D-E053-0100007F98D1 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/faith-takes-forefront-as-georgia-senate-runoffs-heat-up/ “Let’s keep Georgia blue,” Jackson said. “Let’s elect Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock to the United States Senate.” The presiding bishop of more than 400 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia added a pastoral flourish as horns honked and supporters cheered:... Mon, 30 Nov 2020 21:55:20 -0700 B55A19F2-805C-4948-E053-0100007F5DBF https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/mission-endowment-fund-at-durango-lutheran-church-now-accepting-grant-applications/ The mission is, “To love and serve God by proclaiming Christ’s gospel, strengthening worship, deepening discipleship, and serving our congregation, community and world.” The application deadline is Dec. 15. The Mission Endowment Fund grant application may found on line at... Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:03:05 -0700 B4CD1189-9EB4-76BB-E053-0100007F8F12 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/white-evangelicals-like-trump-but-catholics-split-their-vote/ Trump’s strong hold on white evangelical voters illustrates the GOP’s enduring success with a bloc of religious conservatives who have been a linchpin of the president’s political base since his 2016 victory. Catholic voters split between Trump and Biden, a... Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:34:05 -0700 B3B317FC-41C5-5275-E053-0100007F7E66 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/christian-churches-mirror-countrys-political-division/ President-elect Joe Biden leaves after mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Wilmington, Del.Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Hours after the news broke Saturday of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory, St. Joseph on the Brandywine Deacon... Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:03:54 -0700 B3B317FC-41C0-5275-E053-0100007F7E66 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/black-archbishops-rise-to-cardinal-marks-historic-moment/ Washington, D.C., Archbishop Wilton Gregory greets churchgoers Oct. 6, 2019, at St. Mathews Cathedral after the annual Red Mass in Washington. Pope Francis has named 13 new cardinals, including Gregory, who would become the first Black U.S. prelate to earn... Wed, 28 Oct 2020 22:02:30 -0600 B2C11DC8-454D-38C1-E053-0100007FCEC5 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/black-churches-mobilizing-voters-despite-virus-challenges/ Black churches’ get-out-the-vote campaign looks different in 2020 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:51:23 -0600 B17FB4A8-10E5-1D42-E053-0100007FE64A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/amid-pandemic-challenges-houses-of-worship-show-resiliency/ In the Chicago suburb of Cary, Lutheran pastor Sarah Wilson recorded a sermon aboard a small plane piloted by a congregation member. The video that went online showed a high-up view of idyllic landscapes. “It was very spiritual,” Wilson said.... Mon, 05 Oct 2020 23:15:53 -0600 B0F1E621-9B57-68C0-E053-0100007F2868 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/first-southern-baptist-church-of-durango-announces-new-pastor/ First Southern Baptist Church of Durango announces a new pastor for the congregation. Aleksandr Trbovich began service as pastor Tuesday, with his first message to the congregation scheduled for Sunday. Clyde Johnson was the church pastor for 12 years, after... Thu, 27 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0600 AE31395C-43C5-1E2B-E053-0100007FDB39 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/hispanic-catholics-are-the-future-but-priest-numbers-dismal/ Throughout the Southwest, where the surge has been dramatic, Roman Catholic leaders are excited by the possibilities – and well aware of daunting challenges. Hispanics now account for 40% of all U.S. Catholics, and a solid majority of school-age Catholics.... Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:40:34 -0600 ADA4A7EF-9857-7208-E053-0100007F3A55 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/as-coronavirus-curtails-travel-backyard-pilgrimages-become-the-way-to-a-spiritual-journey/ Pilgrims have faced travel delays and cancellations for centuries. Reasons ranged from financial hardship and agricultural responsibilities to what is now all too familiar to modern-day pilgrims – plague or ill health. Then, as now, one strategy has been to... Wed, 19 Aug 2020 23:47:41 -0600 AD40EF1F-E2FD-4792-E053-0100007F1E79 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/black-catholics-history-will-catholic-schools-teach-it/ Faustina Bema, a candidate for Novice of the Sisters of the Holy Family, prays inside a chapel during a retreat at their Mother House in New Orleans. In the archdioceses of New Orleans and Chicago, top leaders are encouraging their... Sat, 01 Aug 2020 22:22:18 -0600 ABD4976F-EC83-7E1B-E053-0100007F00E8 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/what-are-the-origins-of-cathedrals-and-chapels/ As a scholar of the Bible, Judaism and Christianity, I have come to learn the historic importance of these structures and the pivotal role they play in the practice of many Christians’ faith. Early Christian architecture Cathedrals and chapels not... Mon, 27 Jul 2020 22:10:35 -0600 AB71BECF-183B-5534-E053-0100007F53EF https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lifestyle/religious-faith-a-lifelong-constant-for-rep-john-lewis/ Lewis spent boyhood days as a make-believe minister, preaching to a congregation of clucking birds at his rural home in Alabama. As a teen, inspired by the oratory and leadership of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he went on... Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:19:27 -0600 AAFB1642-AFFF-2EBF-E053-0100007FEC63