American Idol's Christian Connection

Read an extensive article about how church has affected American Idol contestants in the LA Times here.

Billy's Last Sermon

Billy Graham wants to give one more sermon. The 91-year-old evangelist could preach at Charlotte's Bank of America stadium, according to some reports. Franklin Graham says he's talked about videotaping a sermon with his father. Billy Graham's last crusade was four years ago in New York. President Barack Obama and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin have visited him in recent months.

PCUSA Cutbacks

The Presbyterian Church, USA has cut 49 positions at its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The denomination's governing board has agreed to cut the budget from this year's total of $93.8 million to just $82 million for 2011 and $80 million for 2012. The denomination has struggled with the issue of ordaining clergy in same-gender relationships.

Oregon Church Faces Scrutiny

A church that shuns traditional medicine for faith healing leads to numerous child deaths. CNN offers this video report.

American Missionary Freed

The woman who led American missionaries in attempting to take 33 children out of Haiti to the Dominican Republic, is now out of jail. A judge convicted Laura Silsby and sentenced her to the time she had already served in jail. The Idaho church leader had been in custody since January. Silsby was the last member of her group still being held in Haiti.

Megachurch Building

The First Baptist Church of Dallas has raised $115 million for a state-of-the-art campus in the downtown area. Church officials say it sets a record for the most money raised for a Protestant church. Construction begins in July and will take three years to complete.