April 1, 2015—Creating new religions is something of a tradition in the United States. The most famous examples are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Church of Scientology. Then there’s the guy on the streets of Berkeley I met a few years ago who told me about a system of “alpha-numerics,” where zip codes and addresses take on divine meaning. Now The Washington Post reports there’s a new religion on the scene in Indiana. The First Church of Cannabis filed paperwork in response to Gov. Mike Pence signing… [Read More…]
Listen: A woman takes on the Church by becoming a priest
Feb. 10, 2015–In the dining room of her San Francisco home, Maria Eitz shows off her priestly attire — a beautiful red, embroidered stole. It’s the only accessory that distinguishes Eitz from the rest of her community. Usually, there is more separation, especially during mass when Catholic priests wear robes. Considering everything else, her wardrobe is a relatively minor deviation. The Vatican bans women from the altar. Yet Eitz is a woman who two years ago became a Catholic priest. Pope Francis is widely respected among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He’s unpretentious… [Read More…]
The immigrant impact on U.S. religions
The Pilgrims set the tone for a nation that would take its beliefs and religious rights seriously. David Campbell, co-author of American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, says immigrants are still making important contributions. Each new immigrant community introduces new customs, food and languages, and its own version of religion. At the same time, American culture influences the expression of faiths brought here. Right now, Campbell says, that’s especially obvious within the Latino population. This is Part III of Campbell’s interview with KALW Public Radio’s Hana Baba. Hana Baba: Let’s talk… [Read More…]
