Nigerian blasts mar pope’s Christmas peace appeal

Pope Benedict XVI issued pleas for peace to reign across the world during his traditional Christmas address Sunday, a call that was marred by Muslim extremists who bombed a Catholic church in Nigeria, striking after worshippers celebrated Mass. The assault on the Catholic church left 35 dead in Madalla, near the Nigerian capital.

What makes Catholics Catholic?

Twenty-five percent of Americans call themselves Catholic, but a new survey finds this is more a cultural brand label for many than a religious identity. An overwhelming majority — 88 percent — say “how a person lives is more important than whether he or she is Catholic,” according to the survey, called Catholics in America: Persistence and Change in the Catholic Landscape.

Televangelist Joel Osteen’s ‘Night of Hope’ coming to Chicago

Joel Osteen has taken the evangelical Christian world by storm with a multi-million dollar ministry overflowing with positivity, charm and a focus on atonement-free faith. On Saturday night, Osteen and his wife will bring their digital, commercial approach to religion to Chicago.

Suburban megachurch breaks ties with group over gay counseling

Willow Creek Community Church has severed its formal ties to Exodus International, the largest ministry in the country that deals with issues of homosexuality in the church.

“To say this is a disappointment is an understatement,” said Alan Chambers, president of the Orlando-based interdenominational association …

Long summer days mean long fasting periods during Ramadan

The fasting from dawn to sunset that is required of observant Muslims during Ramadan seemingly would be more challenging when the holy month falls during the summer. The days are longer, the weather hotter, thirst more unrelenting. But Badie Ali, of Orland Park, doesn’t see it that way.

Ramadan begins on Monday

CAIRO — Religious authorities in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have declared that Monday will be the start of the holy month of Ramadan — a period devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayers and spiritual introspection. Official statements issued Saturday also said Lebanon and Qatar agreed on …

Lutheran split could hurt  social service

One of the largest social service networks in the U.S. faces a shakeup over the Bible and homosexuality. The theologically conservative Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod says it has become “difficult if not impossible” to continue to work with the more liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, …

Gov. Quinn cuts foster-care contracts with Catholic Charities over civil unions dispute

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn defended his administration’s decision to butt heads with his own religion Monday in a dispute over the Catholic church’s refusal to place any of the nearly 2,000 state wards it cares for with same-sex couples.

On Friday and Monday, the …

Man pleads guilty to $8 million swindle - including from a church

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A Connecticut securities broker has pleaded guilty to federal charges that he swindled investors including members of a Greek Orthodox church out of more than $8 million.

Federal authorities said Tuesday that 51-year-old Gregory Loles (LOW-liz) of Easton pleaded guilty to …

Tearful farewell to 174-year-old church in Aurora

For nearly two centuries, the bell of First United Methodist Church in Aurora has summoned the faithful to worship. On Sunday, however, the bell toll signified the closing of the church after 174 years. “I am going to ring it loud for all to hear,” third generation parishioner John Roesch said.

First Methodist Church in Aurora closing after 174 years

After one final service at 10:30 a.m. on June 26, the First Methodist Church in Aurora church will shut its doors after 174 years due to declining membership.

New bishops for Polish, Hispanic outreach

Pope Benedict named two auxiliary bishops to assist Cardinal Francis George in outreach efforts among Polish and Hispanic Catholics, the Archdiocese of Chicago has announced.

Pfleger returns to mass after suspension: ‘The greatest gift’

Joy and happiness permeated St. Sabina Church as the Rev. Michael Pfleger returned to his ministerial duties at a late Sunday morning mass. Before his hourlong sermon titled “What Every Survivor Should Know,” Pfleger told the congregation that he had apologized to Cardinal Francis George …

Diocese of Joliet getting new bishop

The population here is about 20 times larger, but the new bishop sees similarities between his most recent assignment and the Diocese of Joliet.

“Steubenville, Ohio, is a very rural community, but the (biggest) challenges they’ve been facing are the economy and its effects,” the …

City religious leaders pledge to work with Emanuel

On the last day before “elect” drops from his mayor title, Rahm Emanuel joined in prayers and accepted pledges of support Sunday from the city’s religious leaders while stressing the importance of issues affecting children.