Meredith Somers
Articles by Meredith Somers
Chris Brown trial continued until Wednesday after bodyguard’s conviction
Singer Chris Brown had his trial on assault charges continued until Wednesday after his bodyguard was convicted of a similar charge in D.C. Superior Court. Published April 21, 2014
No rest for the retired: Cardinal McCarrick on a mission for peace in Africa
NEWSMAKER INTERVIEW: Retirement means days of relaxation and fun-filled travel for many, but not for Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, the archbishop emeritus of Washington, who returned last week from a State Department mission to a war-torn part of Africa. Published April 17, 2014
The sun also rises on Easter in the District
People of any faith are invited to attend this year's Easter Sunrise Service, one of many special events around the District to mark Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Published April 17, 2014
Higher Ground: Colbert the Catholic
Stephen Colbert has made it clear that when he takes over "The Late Show" from David Letterman next year, it will be himself, not "Stephen Colbert," sitting behind the desk. In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Colbert, 49, said he would not use his satirical character from Comedy Central in his new job. Published April 17, 2014
Feeling taxed today? How about a prayer to St. Matthew?
Praying for an filing extention on your income taxes? Well, St. Matthew — the tax collector-turned-apostle of Jesus — might lend an ear. After all, he is the patron saint of accountants. Published April 14, 2014
‘Matzah Factory’ provides hands-on experience for learning about Passover
The "18-minute rule" for making matzah might have its roots in the Old Testament, but it's also the cutoff point for the attention spans of young bakers. Published April 13, 2014
Higher Ground: Sex Pistol Superstar
What do a Sex Pistols' frontman, a boy-band heartthrob and a member of Destiny's Child who is "not Beyonce" have in common? This summer, they will be sharing a stage as part of the touring cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the 1971 rock opera that tells the story of the last seven days of Jesus' life. Published April 10, 2014
Younger generations lead move as Americans lose faith in the Bible, poll shows
More Americans are doubting the infallibility of the Bible, treating it as a guidebook rather than the actual words of God. Published April 9, 2014
Jesuits mourn well-loved priest, murdered in Syria
U.S. Jesuit officials said sacrificing security for service is something all of their missionaries are willing to do, pointing to the shooting death this week of a popular Jesuit priest in Syria. Published April 8, 2014
U.S. religious diversity moderate by comparison, study shows
The United States might be a melting pot of culture and ethnicity, but when it comes to religion, the variety starts to thin. Published April 6, 2014
Study: U.S.’ religious diversity moderate by comparison
The United States might be a melting pot of culture and ethnicity, but when it comes to religion, the variety starts to thin. Published April 6, 2014
Local groups, congregations prepare for Good Deeds Day
Area schools and congregations like Sha’are Shalom are hosting parochial events, but Good Deeds Day organizers said plenty of volunteer opportunities are available Sunday. Published April 4, 2014
Pillow fights are no longer child’s play
On Saturday, the sixth annual Pillow Fight Day will kick off at sites around world — from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, and the nation's front yard. Published April 3, 2014
Congress still failing but improving on church-state issues, advocates say
Congress has earned a failing grade from a secular advocacy group that, nonetheless, expresses optimism that lawmakers are learning to discern the sometimes blurred line between church and state. Published April 2, 2014
Year of the faith films: Movies that tell stories of religion doing well at the box office
Forget buddy flicks, slasher movies and rom-coms. This year is shaping up to be the year of the faith film, as Hollywood releases a variety of religious-themed movies with hopes of attracting believers and appealing to secular audiences. Published March 31, 2014
Kirk Cameron sees no growing pains in faith-based movies
Long past the days when he played teenager Mike Seaver on the ABC sitcom "Growing Pains," Kirk Cameron, the married 43-year-old father of six, is the founder, face and force behind an evangelical Christian industry. Published March 31, 2014
Hopes high for Obama meeting with Pope Francis at Vatican
Gay marriage. Abortion. Stem cell research. There's plenty for President Obama and Pope Francis to discuss when they meet Thursday at the Vatican. Published March 25, 2014
Aid proposed to stop Christian persecution in the Middle East, panel says
According to a 2012 Pew Research Center study, millions of Christians in more than 100 countries are subjected to some form of persecution. Published March 24, 2014
Death of Westboro’s Phelps raises questions on church’s future
Infamous for its anti-gay protests at military funerals, the Westboro Baptist Church now faces an uncertain future after the death of its founder, Fred Phelps. Published March 20, 2014
D.C. ready to celebrate cherry blossoms
Old Man Winter might still have some tricks up his sleeve. But for springtime revelers, the inevitable blooming of the District's cherry blossom trees provide a blush-colored light at the end of the tunnel. Published March 20, 2014