Connecticut

Whether it’s a turkey leg or a leg up for those in search for their next job, many churches and ministries nationwide are reminding those in need this Thanksgiving that they’re here to help.

Many churches will be joining with local volunteers to offer free Thanksgiving meals to the needy as a way to connect with those in the community.

"I believe that God expects the church to meet people in a very practical way," said Rev. Kevin Merritt of Stepney Baptist Church in Monroe, Conn., according to the Monroe Courier newspaper. more >>

The atmosphere at a United Methodist church in Connecticut known for its outspoken opposition against capital punishment changed after the type of people they were striving to protect killed members from their own congregation.

Before the acts committed by two men left three church members dead, attendants of the United Methodist Church in Chesire were largely opposed to the death penalty.

The church’s current and recent pastors all opposed capital punishment. The church has also sponsored adult education classes that promoted the “restorative justice.” Furthermore, church members attended a vigil to protest the execution of a Connecticut prisoner two years ago. more >>

Members of a parish in Bristol, Conn., that left The Episcopal Church will find themselves ousted from their church property this coming Sunday.

The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut has defrocked the Rev. Donald Lee Helmandollar of Trinity Church and will take over the Bristol property on July 8, according to The Associated Press.

Trinity's congregation voted in May to break away from the diocese and The Episcopal Church and join CANA (Convocation of Anglicans in North America) – a mission initiative of the Church of Nigeria – over differences of opinion about Scripture. Trinity was the first church in Connecticut to split from The Episcopal Church – the U.S. branch of Anglicanism – but one of several congregations nationwide that made the same move, placing themselves under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns of CANA and Archbishop Peter J. Akinola of the Church of Nigeria. more >>

Prominent Christian leaders such as Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes were praised by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) this weekend as role models of Christians who put their faith into action.

In his first speech on the intersection of faith and politics as a presidential contender, Obama discussed how religion should inspire people across the Christian spectrum to unite in helping to eradicate social problems rather than divide them.

“I’m hopeful because I think there’s an awakening taking place in America,” said Obama on Saturday at the United Church of Christ’s 50th anniversary convention. “People are coming together around a simple truth – that we are all connected, that I am my brother’s keeper; I am my sister’s keeper.” more >>

A new national poll revealed that Americans want a religious person to be president.

Over half of all respondents with an opinion (60.7 percent) believe a presidential candidate should be religious while 39.3 percent do not, according to the poll released Thursday by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute.

But a majority of Americans (66 percent) said the candidate’s specific religious affiliation is not relevant to their voting decision while 27.8 percent do consider a candidates specific religious affiliation. Most of the rest (6.3 percent) responded they were unsure if a candidate’s specific religious connection influences their vote. more >>