Many religions rely on music in their services to enhance the worship experience. Some churches sing hymns or contemporary songs while others chant or sing scripture. Both ministers and laypeople are typically involved i ...

Category: Universal Life Church

When you think about church leaders you can approach for advice or counsel, your pastor or teachers in your church probably come to mind. However, a spiritual director may be a better fit. Spiritual direction is a uniq ...

Category: Spirituality

Most people who are members of any faith community probably remember the first day they visited the church they eventually joined. They may recall the things they liked most about it or laugh about an odd part of the e ...

Category: Universal Life Church

In a document released in late June 2023, the Vatican revealed the results of a two-year analysis of the Catholic church and the issues it needs to address. Rather than hand down concrete decisions, the outcome of the co ...

Category: Religion

Sacred Harp singing is a treasured tradition in many religious communities. Its name comes from a songbook with the same title, although not all gatherings stick to just the songs in the original book. Participants gathe ...

Category: Religion

Having the internet at your fingertips gives you access to a 24-hour cycle of information. Most people alive today have the opportunity to be better informed about what's going on in the world than ever before in history ...

Category: Spirituality

Historically, the church has not been a friendly place for LGBTQIA+ people. While many churches still have very strict parameters for inclusion, other communities of faith go out of their way to welcome as many people as ...

Category: Social Equality

It's common for church leaders to be concerned about the number of people who attend services, especially if they notice a decline. After all, the more people who show up, the more resources you are likely to bring in. Y ...

Category: Religion

Do you know what a ring warming ceremony is? It's taking the wedding world by storm, and for good reason. This trend has wedding guests bless the rings, giving them additional emotional and spiritual value.

Category: Weddings

The sign of the cross is an integral part of Catholic and other liturgical traditions. It is performed by holding up the thumb or forefinger and tracing the shape of the cross in the air. In a recent address, the Pope r ...

Category: Religion