Religion and Faith

There's been a lot of talk about moral values since the November 2004 election. We've been talking with members of various congregations around Minnesota to hear their views on morality. Some members of Emmanuel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Minneapolis are uncomfortable with the recent blurring of religion and politics.
There's been a lot of talk about moral values since the November 2004 election. We've been talking with members of various congregations around Minnesota to hear their views on morality. Some members of Emmanuel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Minneapolis are uncomfortable with the recent blurring of religion and politics.
While the line of argument that said "moral values" voters were the overwhelming force propelling George W. Bush into the White House for a second term has been largely discredited, it is beyond dispute that notions of morality play a big role in American politics. This program from American Public Media's "Speaking of Faith" series explores the myth and the real meaning of moral values in American life.
Saying church unity is at least as important as resolving disagreements over sexuality, a panel recommended Thursday that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America officially maintain its position against same-sex blessing ceremonies and ministers involved in gay relationships, but tolerate those who believe and act otherwise.
Since the presidential election, we've been checking in with congregations around Minnesota to find out what parishioners were thinking as they cast their ballots. At Established Heart Community Church in St. Paul, moral values was a top priority for some members who spoke with MPR's Lorna Benson.
Churches in small towns all over Minnesota are struggling to stay afloat. But some find creative ways to stay alive and independent. Some churches are returning to an old tradition -- sharing pastors.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi have made Rochester their home for more than a hundred years. Now the nuns are having difficulty maintaining their convent, known as Assisi Heights. On New Year's Eve many of the Sister's loyal fans will gather for a fundraiser to help bring their living quarters up to date.
Every day brings new headlines of horrific violence perpetrated in the name of Islam. This program from American Public Media's Speaking of Faith unit asks: What makes the Muslim religion such a potent vehicle for violence and danger at this moment in time?