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2009 proved to be a significant year on numerous fronts, culturally, spiritually and economically. Below are the Top 10 Evangelical news stories of the year. There are listed in no particular order.
Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Obama’s inauguration was not only historic because it was the first time a black man has held the office, but also because of the religious controversy it generated. The inauguration included controversial prayers by Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery, as well as a pre-ceremony prayer by gay Bishop Gene Robinson.
The War in Iraq. 2009 will be remembered, in retrospect, as the year the Bush strategy was vindicated. Casualties declined in Iraq, and nationwide elections have been scheduled for March 2010, further evidence of the establishment of democracy in a nation that nay-sayers warned could never govern itself peacefully.
The recession. On top of the human toll brought on by 10 percent unemployment and financial bailouts that will take a generation to repay, Christian ministries and churches were hit hard with cutbacks and layoffs.
Healthcare debate. The healthcare debate is one of the most significant events in a generation in part because the abortion issue will be the most significant issue in the debate. If healthcare reform passes with federal funding of abortion, look for an era of civil disobedience in this country not seen since the 1960s.
The ELCA ordains gays. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the country’s largest Lutheran denomination, sanctioned the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians who were in “committed” relationships. The move will likely result in a mass exodus from the ELCA to other, more conservative Lutheran denominations, or—in all likelihood—to a newly formed Lutheran denomination now in the planning stages.
(ELCA vote on gay clergy will significantly impact denomination — Sept. 09)
The Anglican Church in North America. Faithful Christians have been leaving the Episcopal Church since the 1960s, for other protestant churches, and—sometimes—to form splinter groups. But with the formation this year of the Anglican Church in North America, the Episcopal diaspora has a new home. More than 100,000 people now attend ACNA churches on any given Sunday, and within a decade, if trends continue, the ACNA will be larger than the Episcopal Church, and will then be the dominant expression of Anglican worship in the U.S.
(Episcopals break from national church to form new alliance — July 09)
The retirement of James Dobson. As part of a long-planned transition plan, Dr. James Dobson stepped aside as the voice of the daily radio program this year. It’s the end of an era for Focus, and some say it’s the beginning of a new era for the Religious Right.
(James Dobson steps down as Focus on the Family chairman — Mar. 09)
(Dr. Dobson leaving radio ministry in February — Nov. 09)
Violence in the abortion wars. Could the murders of abortion doctor George Tiller and pro-lifer Jim Pouillon be the beginnings of new militancy in the abortion wars? President Obama is “baiting” both sides by rolling back pro-life policies such as the “Mexico City Policy,” which prohibited foreign aid dollars from advocating or paying for abortion. If healthcare reform includes abortion provisions, the dam could burst.
(Late-term abortion doctor killed — June 09)
(Slain pro-life activist is martyr, some say — Sept. 09)
The Manhattan Declaration. Now with nearly 1-million signers, the Manhattan Declaration’s clear, direct argument for religious freedom and traditional family values could be the flag around which social conservatives gather for the 2010 elections.
(Religious leaders issue the Manhattan Declaration, a ‘call of Christian conscience’ — Nov. 09)
The Fort Hood Massacre. Not only was it the largest mass-murder ever on an American military base, it also brought jarringly to light the reality of home-grown terrorism. Count on this event to have a major impact on immigration reform talks, which will likely come up again in 2010.
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