Multiple laments have been published about Synod 2024. For sure, its decisions were tough and the fallout tremendous.
As I Was Saying
This is The Banner's online opinion column, from a variety of different writers, published Fridays.
As I leave a much-beloved job, I’ve been reflecting on some of the lessons I have learned through my years in this unique mission field.
Despite my critical nature, I’ve still discovered at least a few positive qualities in each church I’ve visited.
Shepherds were among the first to domesticate dogs to help them with their work.
Leaders are typically given way too much credit on both ends of the spectrum. They are either venerated as saints or demonized.
The hot August sun beat down as I approached the vacant ruins of the old community garden.
It might seem strange that an Orthodox Jewish rabbi would side with a Christian adoption agency that refused to accommodate a Jewish couple. But I do.
She told the audience about how her ethnic group suffered vicious attacks that left about 400 dead and displaced thousands in her community.
As my pedals whir, I listen. Do I hear the trees groaning? Is that a heavy sigh on the wind? If it’s groaning I hear, I can relate.
Regardless of how righteous and benevolent our requests are, petition is still just one small aspect of prayer that often gets treated as the whole.
Let’s ensure all voices—and all stories—have the chance to be heard.
Yes, my soul belongs to my faithful Lord and Savior. But what does it mean that my body belongs to Christ?
One of our young sons eagerly bounded ahead toward the longstanding neighborhood gathering point—a beloved community garden—and then sputtered to a hard stop.
I hope April 8, 2024, is a sunny day here in East Palmyra, N.Y. If it is, I’ll have the opportunity to view a solar eclipse from within the “path of totality.”
I believe inclusion is one of the foremost things Jesus taught during his ministry on earth.
Preparing to say goodbye, Papa said, “Let’s sing our song before we leave.” Our song? Tilting my head and squinting his way, I wondered, “What song?”
The two criminals crucified with Jesus (Luke 23:39-43) are a microcosm of humanity under suffering.
During adolescence my view of my mother’s occupation as a stay-at-home mom turned to the judgmental conclusion that she was not living up to her potential.
To be honest, I’ve always thought it was a bit of an odd tradition.
Our Lord and Savior was an ordinary guy who did ordinary work for most of his life.
One of the things I’m (re)learning is that fasting is one of the most helpful disciplines for listening to God and discerning his will during difficult or divided times.
I learned a lesson recently: the art of asking, in the face of seemingly impossible obstacles, “What can I do?” This takes my focus from the barriers to what is possible.
The story of the Gävle in Sweden helps us see that since the very beginning, Christmas has been under siege. In large and small ways, we’re all guilty of shooting flaming arrows.
Sometimes a single word can make a difference and give us things to think about.