Five religions are officially recognized in China, including the traditional religions of Taoism and Buddhism. Photo courtesy of Ian Johnson
All but destroyed during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, religious life -- including Christianity -- is once again on the rise in China, says the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘The Souls of China.’
The Rev. Melinda Bobo and parishioner Kerry Sprouse share a hug before Sunday services at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Photos by John Slaughter
Continuing a long tradition of service and good works, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dubois, Wyoming, is an essential part of the town’s religious life -- and its community life as well.
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All Christians are called to invite others along the way of Jesus. Make it easy for people to say yes, don’t wear out your welcome, and be yourself, advises a pastor who offers “free prayer” in public.
Young residents of a changing Brooklyn attend a concert at Park Church Co-op, one of its many events and spiritual offerings. Photos by Whitney Kidder
In a changing Brooklyn neighborhood, the Park Church Co-op is re-connecting with its missional roots, seeking to be a spiritual bridge to people who typically wouldn’t enter a Christian church.
A golden labradoodle puppy helps a boy decompress at The Brain Kitchen. Photos by Jer Nelsen
With a mix of movement, soothing activities and cooking, The Brain Kitchen helps struggling kids learn skills to calm themselves and even rewire their brains to cope with challenges. It's a picture of how innovation happens -- with insight, small steps and experimentation.
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Countless potential pulpits -- places of community service and leadership -- exist outside the church, says a Vermont pastor, school board member and active community volunteer. But will clergy look up from the busyness of day-to-day ministry to embrace them?
As part of the CityReach program in downtown Boston, teenagers prepare sandwiches for people who are homeless. Photos courtesy of CityReach
Flipping the script on who gets to tell the story of the disenfranchised, common cathedral's CityReach program empowers people who have experienced homelessness to serve as trusted experts on life without shelter.
Composite Illustration: Klepsidra, Bigstock, Rubio
Gun violence in America is disproportionately visited upon dark-skinned people in urban neighborhoods, part of a legacy of racism and violence, says a California pastor. And the church must lead the way in transforming such neighborhoods into places of true peace, justice and inclusion.
Photos courtesy of Loving America Street
Started by a young woman wanting simply to live out the gospel, loving her neighbor as herself, Laundry Matters is a vibrant community center and more. It’s church-as-laundromat, laundromat-as-church.
The food -- and the system -- have improved since Greenpoint Reformed Church took a break and revamped its hunger ministry. Photo courtesy of Greenpoint Reformed Church
Closing the food pantry and meal program for two months allowed staff and volunteers at Greenpoint Reformed Church to reorganize and professionalize its hunger ministry.