Commentary

Grave markers include fire hydrants at the Wayside Waifs pet cemetery.

Dead Pets and Grief: Faith Leaders Embrace New Chaplaincy

Faith leaders are increasingly embracing the field of “pet chaplaincy” to help people deal with grief following the death of beloved pets.

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The flag of the United States is set against a sunset.

‘False Certitude’ Defines Our Religion, and Our Politics

Institutional religion has set a pattern for the sad reality of political divisions among our citizens — encouraging a false certitude about what we believe.

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The Jewish Community Campus in Overland Park.

Kansas City Rabbis Feel Local Impact of Israel-Hamas War

Kansas City rabbis are grappling with the effects of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas and a surge of antisemitism.

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Elmwood Cemetery being mowed.

KC Cemeteries Adapt to Changes in Dealing with Death

Kansas City cemetery operators are adapting to changes in how we deal with death. The biggest challenge is maintaining burial grounds of those who came before.

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The Seventh Church of Christ Scientists on 47th Street at the edge of the Country Club Plaza closed recently. It will be demolished and replaced with a three-story restaurant building. The congregation has found a nearby home.

Houses of Worship Define the Landscape of Kansas City

Houses of worship have played a key role in shaping the landscape of Kansas City. It is a story of almost constant change.

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

Kansas City Looks to Faith Leaders as First Responders

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

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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

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

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Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson speaks in a church.

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

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. 

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

Pondering the Many Versions of Jesus Christ

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.

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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?

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

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