We are a nation founded on Christian principles, but without a single Christian voice. Profound issues such as slavery in the 19th century and abortion since Roe v. Wade have divided Christian churches as much as the nation. Now a new schism is emerging in American Christendom, and how it plays out will be foundational in deciding the country's character. ...more

December 6, 2009

Gov. Bill Richardson signed legislation Wednesday repealing New Mexico's death penalty, making it the second state to ban executions since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. ...more

March 18, 2009

Scientists have transformed one type of fully developed adult cell directly into another inside a living animal, a startling advance that could lead to cures for a plethora of illnesses and sidestep the political and ethical quagmires that have plagued embryonic stem cell research. ...more

August 28, 2008

Rhode Island's Roman Catholic bishop is calling on U.S. authorities to halt mass immigration raids and says agents who refuse to participate in such raids on moral grounds deserve to be treated as conscientious objectors. ...more

August 22, 2008

The season of Lent began Wednesday, and many Christians, especially Catholics, are observing 40 days of sacrifice before Easter. Lent represents a time when Jesus Christ is said to have fasted in the desert for 40 days. ...more

February 7, 2008

The season of Lent begins today, and many Christians, especially Catholics, are gearing up for 40 days of sacrifice before Easter. ...more

February 6, 2008

Elephants with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus were blessed Wednesday before their debut in Tampa. ...more

January 3, 2008

The Rev. Jerry Hogan, chaplain to the nation's circuses, blessed the Ringling Brothers elephants before the opening of the circus's Tampa run tonight. ...more

January 2, 2008

Researchers from Japan and Wisconsin reported Tuesday they had reprogrammed mature human cells to behave almost exactly like embryonic stem cells, a biological breakthrough that recasts the field's ethical, scientific and economic landscape. ...more

November 21, 2007

Roman Catholic voters and lawmakers must heed church teaching on issues ranging from racism to abortion or risk their eternal salvation, U.S. bishops said Wednesday. ...more

November 15, 2007