Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
In the UK, over 3,500 churches have closed their doors permanently since 2013, according to a report from January. Hundreds more are facing the same future.
The “Every Church Counts“ manifesto, prepared by the National Churches Trust, has presented a plan to take action and save many of these churches most at risk.
In today’s top story, contributor Angela Youngman details this plan and many churches who have already taken steps toward revamping their buildings.
“There are certainly signs of hope on a local basis,” Youngman writes. Read more to find out how.
‘Every Church Counts’: New Campaign Aims To Save Britain’s Houses Of Worship
Changing population patterns and crumbling buildings requiring costly repairs have creating a challenging environment for Britain’s network of thousands of churches, many of which date back hundreds of years. It’s a situation that has resulted in a major campaign to save these churches — and increasingly inventive ways of maintaining their existence. by Angela Youngman
Bad Habits: Why You’re Seeing More Pregnant Nuns in Horror Movies
“Immaculate” and “The First Omen” are two horror movies with pregnant nun protagonists in theaters at the same time. It’s admittedly an unusual event. They’re also a veiled response to the overturning of abortion nearly two years ago and the Catholic church’s stance on the issue. by Jillian Cheney
‘Finding Faith’ A Well-Meaning — But Substandard — Faith Melodrama
(REVIEW) This movie feels like a throwback to how faith-based film’s used to be. The cinematography, music and editing are frustratingly substandard in a world where Kingdom Storybook Company has shown that care can be taken with those elements in a Christian film. Ultimately, I have hope that Great American Pure Flix will grow in the quality of its content. by Joseph Holmes
Book Excerpt: ‘How The Book Of Mormon Came to Pass’ By Lars Nielsen
(EXCERPT) Several explanations for the seemingly sudden appearance of “The Book of Mormon” in 1829 (first published in 1830) have been put forth by both historians and apologists alike. Each holds some value to its advocates while displaying obvious inconsistencies and unexplained features. Significant new evidence necessitates the revision of all such theories. by Lars Nielsen
Earth Day: 5 Orthodox Christian Books That Deal With Environmentalism
Many across the world will celebrate Earth Day on Monday, which marks the 54th anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is the fight against plastic, aiming to increase awareness of the issue of pollution around the globe and its harmful effects on the environment. by Jovan Tripkovic
‘The Russian World’: The Document That Rocked Orthodoxy
(ANALYSIS) The Congress of the XXV World Russian People’s Council, headed by Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, issued a document on March 27 entitled: “The Present and Future of the Russian World.” In the document, the leadership of the XXV World Russian People’s Council describes the conflict in Ukraine as a “Holy War.” by Jovan Tripkovic
Q&A With Author John Inazu On His New Book ‘Learning To Disagree’
Structured around an academic year of teaching law, the book explores monthly themes such as "Where is the Line Between Wrong and Evil?" and draws on experiences and legal case studies to discuss empathy in disagreement, trust across differences and challenging assumptions. The book is relevant for everyday community interactions during election years and beyond. by Chelsea Langston Bombino
Prominent Dallas Pastor Steps Down As Rainbow Push Coalition Head
Just three months after he was installed as president of the Rainbow Push Coalition, the Rev. Freddie Haynes II abruptly resigned this week as leader of the historic Civil Rights organization. Last July, the Rev. Jesse Jackson had selected Haynes to lead the organization starting in 2024. by Hamil R. Harris
Lifting Up Two-Spirit Voices: The Story Behind Disney’s ‘The Roof’
“The Roof,” released as part of the second season of the platform’s “Launchpad” series, tells the coming-of-age story of a two-spirit Northern Cheyenne teenager (played by Phoenix Wilson) who is sent to live with their grandfather (played by Academy-Award winner Wes Studi). The two learn to connect and the teen gains an understanding of what it means to be two-spirit, while the grandfather opens up about his life. by Matthew Kincanon
Horror Movie ‘Late Night With The Devil’ Brings The Satanic Panic To Life
(REVIEW) New horror film “Late Night with the Devil” plays off the fears of the Satanic panic — and exists in a world where those beliefs are all true. The movie is of the found footage genre, a fiction film told with documentary-style footage. It showcases a broadcast and behind the scenes footage from a broadcast of late night talk show “Night Owls” on Halloween of 1977. by Jillian Cheney
Christian Ministry Builds State-of-the-Art Stadium Amid Growing Scandals
Zimbabwe’s renowned cleric and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministry founder Walter Magaya recently built a modern soccer stadium in less than six months at his Yadah Complex in the capital city Harare. The project comes at a time when Magaya is facing several scandals, including being accused of rape and financial wrongdoing. by Calvin Manika
⛪︎ 5 Questions As Long-Awaited Methodist General Conference Starts Next Week 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. tackles five questions related to the United Methodist Church’s long-awaited General Conference, which starts next week in Charlotte, North Carolina. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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