Meredith Somers
Articles by Meredith Somers
U.S. Catholics oppose religious health care exemptions on birth control: poll
Most Catholic voters oppose health care exemptions based on employers' religious beliefs, a new poll shows. Published November 17, 2014
Washington National Cathedral hosts first-ever Muslim prayer service
A call to Muslim prayer rang Friday through the cavernous Washington National Cathedral for the first time in the religious landmark's century-old history. Published November 14, 2014
Higher Ground: Chester Wenger, Mennonite pastor, stripped of credentials for officiating son’s gay w
A 96-year-old Mennonite pastor in Pennsylvania was stripped of his credentials after officiating his gay son's wedding. Published November 13, 2014
Catholic exodus strikes Latin America as evangelical numbers grow
Latin America is home to 40 percent of the world's Catholic population, but a growing number of them are converting to other faiths. Published November 13, 2014
New Catholic rules to affect health care services, mergers
The governing body of the U.S. Catholic Church this week began the process of reconciling doctrine with 21st-century medical directives, but some human rights advocates say those revisions could be a tough pill to swallow. Published November 12, 2014
Bishops OK directive revisions for Catholic health care providers
U.S. Catholic bishops on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved revising directives that eventually would make it easier for Catholic health care providers to work with secular providers while maintaining doctrinal positions on birth control, abortion, euthanasia and other health issues. Published November 11, 2014
Catholics worry about mixing politics and church mission, survey says
Catholics of all stripes want to know the “whys” of their faith and worry about the church walking a fine line between politics and advocacy, a new survey shows. Published November 11, 2014
U.S. bishops tweak synod coverage at conference
Just a month after their synod on family matters at the Vatican, American bishops on Monday ribbed the media on its coverage of the historic meeting, which ended with a watered-down version of a church welcome to Catholic gays and divorcees. Published November 10, 2014
The power of Christ may compel U.S. bishops to adopt exorcism ritual book
The rite of exorcism is on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' agenda this week. Published November 10, 2014
Catholic Church must respond as a family to modern woes, U.S. bishops president says
The Catholic Church is a family and must support its members and their loved ones as they face modern challenges, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, said Monday. Published November 10, 2014
Cardinals debate future of Catholic Church, Pope Francis’ leadership
A changing Catholic Church is dividing traditionalists and reformers, as Pope Francis leads the faithful in the 21st century. Published November 7, 2014
Higher Ground: The Washington National Cathedral hosts tribute concert for veterans
The Washington National Cathedral has hosted presidential funerals and national celebrations, and this Friday, it will give thanks to veterans. Published November 6, 2014
Faith-based voters play key role in GOP wins in midterm elections
Conservative Christian voters helped turn the tide of the midterm elections and will do so again in 2016, according to a survey by the Faith & Freedom Coalition. Published November 5, 2014
Oregon woman’s assisted-suicide decision sparks debate over ‘death with dignity’
Regardless of whether Brittany Maynard decides to end her life this weekend, her story has reignited debate over the moral and religious implications of dying on one’s own terms. Published October 31, 2014
Higher Ground: Satanist urinates on religious monument
An Oklahoma man said Satan told him to drive his car into a Ten Commandments monument and urinate on it. Published October 30, 2014
U.S. must do more for religious freedom, advocates say
Even as the Obama administration calls on nations to secure religious freedoms globally, advocates say the effort would get a boost with more action and leadership from the United States itself. Published October 29, 2014
Methodist panel upholds reinstatement of The Rev. Frank Schaefer
A Methodist judicial council on Monday upheld the decision in the case of a pastor who was defrocked for officiating his gay son's wedding but later reinstated, closing a 10-month dispute that highlighted the internal struggle of the church to balance doctrine and shifting social attitudes. Published October 27, 2014
Muslims increasingly moving away from GOP
Two-thirds of Muslim voters plan to visit the polls on Election Day, and more than half of them are Democratic Party supporters, according to a new survey. Published October 26, 2014
Muslim New Year begins with reflection, prayer
The Islamic new year begins Friday, a time for Muslims to reflect on the past 12 months and remember the origins of their faith. Published October 23, 2014
Higher Ground: Vatican staff chastises Justin Bieber
He commands the hearts of tweens around the world, but when it comes to Catholic headquarters, pop star Justin Bieber is no match for 2,000 years of tradition. Published October 23, 2014