Julia Duin

In God Joni still trusts

Fifteen thousand days. That's how long Joni Eareckson Tada has spent in a wheelchair. Published February 26, 2009

Milwaukee prelate tapped for N.Y. post

The Vatican's selection of Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan as the next archbishop of New York has gotten plaudits for naming a theologically astute Midwesterner with a common touch to America's top Catholic post. Published February 24, 2009

DUIN: Different ways to fast for Lent

Lent, the period of fasting and abstinence begins Wednesday, so I thought I'd see what the new trends are out there on this ancient church season. Published February 22, 2009

Lutherans consider actively gay clergy

UPDATED: America's largest Lutheran body inched closer to ordaining actively gay clergy with a recommendation Thursday that the 4.7-million-member church vote on the matter at its convention this summer. Published February 20, 2009

Lutherans seek leeway for gay clergy

America's largest Lutheran body on Thursday inched closer to ordaining actively gay clergy by releasing a statement outlining ways the 4.7-million-member church can allow "some flexibility" on the matter. Published February 19, 2009

DUIN: Can we truly forgive?

Remember the Oct. 2, 2006, Amish school shootings? The world was amazed by the Amish response of near-instant forgiveness after a madman shot 10 girls execution-style. One of the five who died took at least two dozen bullet wounds all over her body. Published February 19, 2009

DUIN: Group movement showing its age

Small groups are user-friendly in today's culture of rebellion and distrust of any organization — they are hierarchically flat, home-based, approachable and personal. Published February 15, 2009

Kazakhstan backs off on religion limits

Kazakhstan, a key U.S. economic partner in Central Asia, has dramatically reversed legislation curtailing religious freedoms after the measure and the jailings and expulsions of two religious activists caused an international outcry. Published February 13, 2009

DUIN: Priest abuse legislation raises alarm

The other day, I spotted a piece in the Catholic Standard raising the alarm about a new Senate bill in the Maryland legislature. Published February 12, 2009

DUIN: AskMoses.com fields Judaism queries

Based in Los Angeles, AskMoses.com is a nonprofit with 45 male and female scholars from around the world. They sometimes receive questions too sensitive — about sex, drugs or abuse — to broach in person to a rabbi. Published February 8, 2009

Obama to name faith council panel

President Obama on Thursday will roll out the names of a long-anticipated "faith advisory council" of more than two dozen religious leaders who will advise him on policy issues. Published February 5, 2009

DUIN: Jews, Kurds linked

Much has been written over the ages as to what happened to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Published February 5, 2009

DUIN: Self-sacrifice tale one for the ages

Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943, an act of extraordinary unselfishness by a group of men became a legend of martyrdom and sacrifice. Published February 1, 2009

Faith panel chief seen as inexperienced

Religious professionals expressed concern Friday over the White House's selection of Joshua Dubois to head its Council for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, chiefly because Mr. Dubois, 26, has no experience working with charities. Published January 31, 2009

NBC rejects pro-life ad using Obama

A popular pro-life video portraying President Obama as an unborn child has been rejected by NBC-TV as an ad during Sunday's Super Bowl. Published January 30, 2009

NBC nixes pro-life ad featuring Obama

A popular pro-life video portraying President Obama as an unborn child has been rejected by NBC-TV as an ad during Sunday's Super Bowl. Published January 29, 2009

Catholics hit Obama on pro-choice agenda

The Obama administration is barely a week old, yet Catholics already are mobilizing against its pro-choice stance on several fronts, staging a popular YouTube video that's racking up close to 100,000 hits a day and organizing a mass mailing of millions of cards to Congress. Published January 29, 2009

DUIN: Another India exposed

The popular film "Slumdog Millionaire" may be the public face of India these days but one Catholic archbishop now in Washington is trying to educate listeners about another India. Published January 29, 2009

Episcopal diocese warms to gay unions

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia inched closer to blessing same-sex unions Saturday when delegates approved a resolution affirming "the inherent integrity and blessedness of committed Christian relationships between two adult persons." Published January 25, 2009