Mark A. Kellner
Articles by Mark A. Kellner
Union waiver allows ‘The Chosen’ to finish season 4 filming despite actors’ strike
Filming for the last two weeks of season four of "The Chosen" resumed Monday, thanks to a waiver that allows the cast to work on the streaming series about Jesus' ministry despite the actors' strike against Hollywood studios. Published July 18, 2023
Higher Ground: An event of ‘Biblical porportions’
The biggest faith and culture headlines from the last week, available only on Higher Ground from The Washington Times. Published July 17, 2023
Biden names philanthropist Susie Gelman to religious freedom panel
President Joe Biden has appointed philanthropist Susie Gelman to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the White House announced Friday. Published July 16, 2023
Same-sex marriage grounds for firing Catholic school’s guidance counselor, appeals court says
A Catholic high school in Indianapolis, Indiana, retained the right to fire a school guidance counselor whose same-sex marriage violated the school's employment contract and church teachings, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. Published July 13, 2023
Viewer-sponsored ‘Sound of Freedom’ flick stirs box-office revolution, say observers
It's a classic cinematic setup: A scrappy underdog challenges an undisputed champ and scores a surprise victory. But this particular movie plotline pits Hollywood's studio system against a small film distributor in Provo, Utah. Published July 13, 2023
‘No religious freedom in China,’ exiled Christian pastor tells House committee
A Chinese pastor who led more than 60 members of his Presbyterian congregation in southwestern China to asylum in the United States told members of Congress Wednesday "there is no religious freedom" in the communist superpower. Published July 12, 2023
Thousands of Black churches could face Southern Baptist Convention expulsion over women pastors
As many as 4,000 Black churches with women pastors could be kicked out of the Southern Baptist Convention under the denomination's new rules, warns the Rev. Gregory Perkins. Published July 10, 2023
Higher Ground: Moms group hits back after being slapped with ‘extremist’ label
Welcome to Higher Ground, a newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues. Published July 10, 2023
Washington’s Cardinal Gregory named by pope as Synod of Bishops delegate
Pope Francis on Friday named Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop of the Washington archdiocese, as a member of the Catholic Church's upcoming Synod of Bishops. Published July 7, 2023
Satanists plan protest with ‘unbaptisms’ when Christian rocker Sean Feucht holds Washington worship
A group of Satanists plans to crash a Christian evangelical event in Washington state featuring musician Sean Feucht, with a ceremony featuring "unbaptisms" where ashes of an incinerated Bible are dabbed on a person's forehead. Published July 7, 2023
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders rejects call to erase Latin cross from mansion
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued a firm "no" to a D.C. group's request that chalk artwork featuring a Latin cross be removed from the entrance to the Governor's Mansion. Published July 5, 2023
Free Bibles, study materials reach prisoners via online portal for chaplains, Prison Fellowship says
An online service is helping prison chaplains place Bibles and Christian study materials in the hands of incarcerated men and women, a program its sponsor says can help prisoners return to society as a "contributing member of society." Published July 5, 2023
In-person demonstrations, Vatican exhibits are key attractions at D.C.’s Museum of the Bible
Rabbi Moshe Englander stared down at a bookmark where he calligraphed a woman's name in Hebrew as a half-dozen or so visitors at the Museum of the Bible watched the lettering appear piecemeal on a display screen. Published July 4, 2023
Higher Ground: Supreme Court says ‘I Do’ to religious liberty
Dive deeper into the biggest headlines in faith news from the week: Supreme Court affirms religious liberty; parents protest LBGTQ policies in Maryland school; Library group takes on Kirk Cameron's story hours; Moms For Liberty vs. Southern Poverty Law Center. Published July 3, 2023
High court’s ‘gay wedding website’ decision brings hope to photographer, baker, other creatives
Friday's Supreme Court ruling affirming free speech and free exercise protections for Christians who are creative professionals is just what wedding photographer Emilee Carpenter of Elmira, New York, was hoping for. Published July 2, 2023
Worshippers applaud Supreme Court ruling on religious accommodation at work
Thursday's unanimous Supreme Court ruling telling employers they need to show a "substantial" cost to accommodate the needs of employees who require a specific day off for religious observance drew plaudits from a number of religious communities, while one group blasted the decision as advancing the goals of "Christian Nationalism" under the guise of free exercise. Published June 29, 2023
Supreme Court rules for ex-mail carrier refusing to work on Sabbath
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of an ex-postal worker who challenged the U.S. Postal Service for refusing to back his religious accommodation not to work on the Sabbath. Published June 29, 2023
Voice of reason: Senate chaplain part of ‘great conversation’ during 20 years on Capitol Hill
Barry C. Black, who celebrates 20 years as Senate chaplain on Wednesday, says he feels free to speak his mind in ministering to -- and sometimes admonishing -- the 100 lawmakers who make up the core of his spiritual service on Capitol Hill. Published June 27, 2023
Higher Ground: Charitable giving takes a notable dip
Welcome to Higher Ground, a newsletter and website, dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues. Published June 26, 2023
Charitable giving fell as less than half of Americans gave in 2022, study finds
Charitable giving was down sharply in the U.S. in 2022 and, for the first time this century, less than half of Americans made donations, according to the annual Giving USA report released Tuesday. The 3.4% decline -- 10.5% when adjusted for inflation -- marked just the fourth time in four decades that year-over-year donations fell. Published June 20, 2023
