Free Republic

Just one in four Catholic priests and Mainline Protestant pastors in the United States say they're certain that Adam and Eve were real people. In contrast, 80% of Evangelical pastors and 89% of black Protestant clergy affirm this belief with certainty. Data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders reveal significant differences among clergy in their core theological beliefs, including their views on the Bible, Hell, miracles, and the existence of God, as noted by Graphs About Religion on Substack.When asked whether they “definitely believe” Adam and Eve were historical figures, the numbers diverged sharply across denominations, dropping to 25%...

An Evangelical mission doctor has warned that millions of lives are at stake surrounding the potential dismantling of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), as country music artists led by Amy Grant have called for the program's reauthorization. PEPFAR, launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush, is the largest global health initiative focused on a single disease, HIV/AIDS. PEPFAR has sent over $100 billion to more than 50 countries in the last two decades, providing antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) life-saving treatment and infrastructure support to regions most affected by the epidemic, particularly in Africa. However, recent aid...

The International Court of Justice has declared Israel's "prolonged occupation" and settlement policies in Palestinian territories since 1967 are unlawful and must end swiftly. This non-binding advisory opinion may intensify the legal and diplomatic scrutiny on Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The United Nations court ruled Israel's settlements in the West Bank, along with the "annexation" of East Jerusalem and continued control over certain aspects of the Gaza Strip, violate several international laws and norms, including The Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention. "The Court considers that the violations by Israel of the prohibition of...

Salem Witch Sandra Wright blows in the fumes from the incense during the Salem Witches' Magic Circle at Salem Common on Halloween in Salem, MA, on October 31, 2018. The ceremony involving local and visiting witches celebrates loved ones that have crossed over into the spirit world. The witches believe that on Halloween, the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest and connections can be made to those being mourned or missed. A Catholic high school counselor in Pennslyvania lost her job after inviting three "witches" to speak to students, who gave them crystals that Wiccans...