News & Ideas

Monday's News & Ideas - 12/1/2025

  •  Pope in Lebanon
  • Advent for immigrants
  • Cookbook theology
  • Christian empathy
  • Jesus empowered women
  • Rosa Parks’ influence

Pope urges Lebanese pastors, religious to embrace spirit of solidarity
Crux: On his first day in Lebanon, Pope Leo urged the country’s pastors and religious to continue striving for unity and to embrace a spirit of solidarity with those who are suffering, regardless of their background.
National Catholic Reporter: Pope Leo lands in wounded Lebanon, urging leaders to rise above factionalism

During Advent, immigrant congregations find hope shadowed by fear
NPR: As the season of Advent begins, many Christians turn toward quiet reflection and preparation for Christmas. But in several Southern California congregations with large immigrant communities, that sacred anticipation is shadowed by a looming sense of fear.

A theology of impossible cheeseburger pie*
Christian Century: A seminary cookbook from 1984 led me to revisit the potlucks — and the beliefs — of my midwestern childhood.

Empathy is the new Christian battleground
Axios: As the U.S. grows more diverse, a quiet civil war is unfolding within American Christianity over who deserves empathy.

Blaming women harms us all*
Christianity Today: When we fail to protect and honor women like Jesus, we all lose.

The Spark

How Rosa Parks’ legacy inspired a new fight over who could ride the bus
Decades after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, these activists in Chicago turned to Parks’ playbook to broaden disability access, The 19th says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



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Lilly logo

Lilly Endowment Inc. announces Serving Neighbors Initiative

Lilly Endowment Inc. invites eligible charitable organizations to submit concept papers for its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative. The initiative supports efforts to help Christian congregations and local charitable organizations build relationships, identify community priorities, and design lasting collaborations that improve life for individuals and families. Projects might address housing instability, youth opportunities, parks and outdoor recreation, mental health, or other locally identified needs.

Approximately 60 charitable organizations with promising concept papers may receive planning grants of up to $50,000. Those selected may then apply for implementation grants of up to $5 million to carry out their programs.

Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027.

Learn More