Explore Christian beliefs and denominations with The Meridian Times.
Russian Orthodox priests have visited the site of a massive fire at the Proletarsk oil storage facility in southern Russia’s Rostov region. The blaze, which has been burning for three days, was ignited by debris from a Ukrainian drone strike on August 18. More than 500 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire, which has … Read more
Introduction On July 25, 2024, Rev. Thomas Jay Oord, a prominent theologian and ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, faced an ecclesiastical trial in Boise, Idaho. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion within the denomination, and the trial’s outcome has had broad repercussions for both Oord … Read more
Introduction In a notable strategic shift, Ascension, one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the United States, has announced the sale of nine hospitals and four post-acute and older adult living facilities in Illinois to Prime Healthcare. This decision marks a significant change for both organizations and reflects broader trends in the healthcare industry … Read more
Introduction As the 2024 Democratic National Convention approaches, it bears a curious resemblance to a papal conclave, a stark contrast to the traditional democratic process of electing a U.S. president. This comparison draws attention to the evolving dynamics of American political conventions and their intriguing parallels with the Catholic Church’s process of electing a pope. … Read more
Introduction The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a highly anticipated event, celebrating not only sports but also global culture. However, what was meant to be a grand spectacle turned into a significant controversy due to the artistic representation of the Last Supper. In this article, we will delve into the context, execution, … Read more
A Historical Overview The Episcopal Church is grappling with its historical role in the Native American residential school system, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into European American culture. The system, operational from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, forcibly removed children from their families, prohibiting their native languages and traditions in favor … Read more
Embracing Both Faith and LGBTQ+ Identity At a recent Pride event hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the Vice President made a statement that has resonated deeply with me: “It just proves there are no false choices.” This remark underscores a truth that I’ve encountered both in my professional life … Read more
Overview of the Resolutions On July 1, 2024, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) passed significant resolutions during its biennial meeting held both online and in person in Salt Lake City, Utah. The resolutions include a decision to divest from Israel bonds and a call for action against companies contributing to human rights … Read more
Overview of Changes The Episcopal Church is revising its Title IV clergy misconduct protocols to enhance fairness and transparency as it prepares to welcome a new presiding bishop known for addressing abuse issues. The updates, which will take effect in January, include technical adjustments aimed at improving the process for handling misconduct allegations. Key Revisions … Read more
Background of the Protests In recent weeks, Kenyan youth have staged significant protests under the banner of “Gen Z,” demanding comprehensive economic reforms from the government and calling for greater accountability from Christian churches. This movement emerged after the introduction of a controversial finance bill proposed by President William Ruto’s administration. Rejection of the Finance … Read more
