Bill Tammeus

Commentator

Bill Tammeus, a Presbyterian elder and former award-winning Faith columnist for The Kansas City Star, writes the daily "Faith Matters" blog for The Star's Web site and a column for The Presbyterian Outlook. His latest book is "Jesus, Pope Francis and a Protestant Walk into a Bar: Lessons for the Christian Church."

Stories by Bill Tammeus

A Kansas City Fire Department truck parked outside of Second Presbyterian Church in Brookside.

Kansas City Looks to Faith Leaders as First Responders

By Bill Tammeus | March 31, 2024

When catastrophe slams Kansas City, among the first responders are faith leaders stepping forward to offer comfort to the afflicted.

Dorna Swan, Jody L. Craig and Ahmet Kodanaz, left to right, are members of the board of the new Heartland Welcome and Support Coalition.

KC Faith Community Offers Help for Asylum Seekers

By Bill Tammeus | February 25, 2024

The Kansas City faith community is stepping up to help asylum seekers from Venezuela and other countries through the Heartland Welcome and Support Coalition.

Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson speaks in a church.

How to Convince White KC it’s Time for Black Reparations

By Bill Tammeus | January 28, 2024

Improving the lot of people of color in Kansas City also could improve the lot of all residents here — including white people, many of whom oppose reparations. 

Christmas tree and nativity scene lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square., Vatican City.

Pondering the Many Versions of Jesus Christ

By Bill Tammeus | December 24, 2023

Mike Graves, the author of "Jesus' Vision for Your One Wild and Precious Life," discusses the many versions of Jesus Christ as Christians celebrate his birth.

This home at 10th and Bales in Kansas City’s northeast now houses the Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple.

Buddhism: Religion, Philosophy or Way of Life?

By Bill Tammeus | November 26, 2023

Many spiritual seekers are drawn to Buddhism, whose followers debate whether its a religion, a philosophy or just a way of life.

Entrance of St. Luke's Hospital.

Finding Faith in Hospital Settings

By Bill Tammeus | October 29, 2023

Hospital chaplains discuss clinical pastoral education, the special training designed to practice faith in various health care and other institutional settings.

Kansas City artist Tom Dolphens has icons and other works of art displayed in several Kansas City locations. These three icons had been in his home studio but now have been sold to a new owner.

Putting Your Faith in the Arts

By Bill Tammeus | September 24, 2023

Religion makes precious little sense without art, even though some misguided souls have tried to banish art as idolatrous.

Rockhurst University’s new Alvin L. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice will occupy this building at 5401 Troost Ave.

Alvin L. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice Takes Shape on Troost

By Bill Tammeus | August 27, 2023

Rockhurst University is creating the Alvin L. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice in the name of an iconic local public servant and civil rights leader.

Michael Tisius shows his tattoos during an interview at Potosi Correctional Center.

Witnessing the State-Sanctioned Killing of Michael Tisius

By Bill Tammeus | July 30, 2023

A pastor shares her story of watching Missouri execute Michael Tisius in June. Tisius was convicted of killing two jailers in 2000.

Flowers in the foreground of the Lone Jack Civil War Museum.

Lone Jack High School Teacher Battles Antisemitism

By Bill Tammeus | June 25, 2023

Lone Jack High School teacher Angela Gottesburen has been recognized as Holocaust Educator of the Year by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.

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