Religion
Annie Dean
Retail therapy
The Lion of Judah, House of Rastafari Church used the Mifflin Street block party as an opportunity to grow its flock by selling marijuana joints and edibles. It was a smashing success, even though Madison officials say it was illegal. Read more
Unity through a prune-filled donut
These days when I go back to the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis I see something that I never saw as a kid: diversity. Read more
Demystifying
For Dalia Mogahed, starting to wear a hijab was a “feminist” expression of independence. But not all of her feminist friends saw it that way. Read more
Keeping the faith
Spirituality can help many incarcerated people turn their lives around. So faith leaders want Dane County officials to prioritize providing sacred space in the renovated jail. Read more
David Michael Miller
New St. Paul’s looms over campus
The renovation of the Catholic Center was conservative Bishop Robert Morlino ’s opportunity to build a big, lasting billboard hovering over the center of the famously liberal UW campus and he took every inch of his opportunity. Read more
Dylan Brogan
Swastikas and “Trump Rules” found on plaque outside Madison synagogue building
The vandalism was found on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Holiday services are slated for Wednesday evening and Thursday. Read more
Carolyn Fath
Startup ministries
In liberal, secular Madison, two young Evangelical Christian ministers seek to break stereotypes, build new faith communities and soothe the trauma of the Trump era. Read more
James Heimer
Peacekeepers
Milwaukee has enlisted volunteer chaplains to try to bridge the gap between police and the community. The program has had remarkable success, helping to quell riots that broke out after a police shooting. Could a similar program work in Madison? Read more
Erica Krug
Inner sanctum
New digs created a need for a new meditation room for Kadampa Meditation Center Madison. They celebrate October 14-16 with guest talks from Gen-la Kelsang Jampa. Read more
Dylan Brogan
Pay up: Judge denies tax-exempt status for St. Raphael property
A Dane County Judge says the property once home to St. Raphael Cathedral is not exempt from city property taxes. Read more
Sandwich, chips and Jesus
The Jesus Lunch will return outside of Middleton High School this year, after the city’s Common Council failed to impose any restrictions. Many parents say officials are afraid of a lawsuit. And they worry about kids being proselytized. Read more
The Dalai Lama and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
My guess is that Mayor Soglin and most Madisonians would not take so much pleasure in Pastafarians’ mocking of religion if they thought it was aimed at the city’s guest this week. After all, Buddhism is an acceptable religion for educated liberals. Read more
Political correctness from both right and left
The leading Republican candidate for president can say vile things about women and immigrants. At the same time, too many of us won’t even tolerate hearing from an iconic feminist on the one hand or a conservative preacher on the other. Read more
Timothy Hughes
The secular vote
According to recent polls, nonbelievers make up almost a quarter of the population. The Freedom From Religion Foundation wants politicians to keep them in mind. Read more
Tell All: My co-worker is a Christian!
Narrow-minded reader finds organized religion narrow-minded. Read more
Judith Davidoff
Hallowed ground
St. Raphael’s Cathedral burned down more than 10 years ago, but it is still the spiritual home for longtime parishioner Jean Lochner, who prays at the site twice a day. Read more
Judith Davidoff
Baptism at Brittingham
The Sunday before Labor Day was hot and muggy, drawing large crowds to Brittingham Park. Some were there to kayak but Deborah Devane was there to be saved. Read more
Chris Collins
Friends in high places
Inspired Heights gives ex-cons and recovering addicts a lift — both figuratively and literally. The Illinois company, which specializes in renovating churches, is restoring the steeples of Madison’s First Congregational United Church of Christ. Read more
Taking on climate change
Madison Catholics are buoyed by Pope Francis’ directive on environmental stewardship. Read more
Tony Win
Freedom from religion
The folks who lead the Freedom From Religion Foundation are used to drawing heat. In a move opposed by liberal and conservative religious leaders alike, the Madison-based group challenged a federal law that gives clergy tax-free housing allowances. U Read more
