Protestantism news stories on Newser

China Secretly Meets With Long-Banned Churches

Matt Cantor — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:49:04 CST

Inching toward reconciliation after decades of opposition, China’s government invited leaders of the country’s banned Protestant churches to secret talks, the Times of London reports. The government is hoping to smooth relations as it celebrates its 60th year in power and aims for stability amid economic turmoil. Beijing allows Christians...

Prosperity Gospel Blamed for Subprime Hell

Rob Quinn — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:14:55 CDT

A fast-growing strain of Pentecostalism may have made its followers victims of the credit crisis by preaching that God's hand was behind dubious mortgages, Time reports. "Prosperity Gospel" preaches that God will "make way" for the poor to gain wealth, making believers easy prey for greedy mortgage brokers, says a...

Christianity in China Grows Quickly, Quietly

Katherine Thompson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:32:01 CDT

Despite government restrictions, Christianity in China is widespread and growing. Authorities typically look the other way, occasionally applying pressure that only seems to spread religion's influence, reports the Economist. Most of the Protestant "house churches" consist of 25 people—the largest legal gathering—where new Christians lead newer converts in...

Denver Can 'Corral' Convention Protesters: Court

Rob Quinn — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:15:28 CDT

A federal judge has ruled that protesters can be confined to a fenced-in zone at the Democratic National Convention because security concerns outweigh activists' right to free speech, Reuters reports. The ACLU and a coalition of protest groups had brought a lawsuit against Denver and the Secret Service over plans...

Pope to Cut Luther a Break

Peter Fearon — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:33:57 CST

Five centuries after he ignited the Reformation by challenging papal authority, Martin Luther is expected to get a break from—of all people—Pope Benedict XVI. The pope is German and ostensibly that's the only thing he has in common with Luther. Nevertheless, the pope plans a warmer and fuzzier...