Barack Obama

Nearly one in four children in the United States lived in a home that suffered from food insecurity in 2008, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In total, 16.7 million children, or 22.5 percent, were from families that had difficulty putting enough food on the table last year. That’s 4.3 million more children than in 2007.

“Child hunger is not just a casualty of the recession,” commented the Rev. David Beckmann, president of the Christian anti-poverty group Bread for the World, in response to the data. “It was a problem before the recession, and unless we take the necessary steps, kids will continue to suffer after the economy recovers.” more >>

U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in China late Sunday night for a three-day visit to the communist nation that will be his first since taking office.

Obama was greeted by Chinese dignitaries upon his arrival in Shanghai, where he will stay for one day before traveling to Beijing for a two-day state visit hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The president’s visit is being closely watched by religious freedom advocates who have been urging Obama to raise rights and freedom issues in a country where repression of peaceful religious activity remains intense and widespread. more >>

Most Americans still support government funding for faith-based initiatives, according to a new report.

More than eight years after former President George W. Bush launched a program allowing churches and other religious organizations to receive federal funding to perform social services, 69 percent of Americans say they favor the initiative, the Pew Forum reported.

Only 25 percent oppose it. more >>

Celebration over the Stupak amendment in the House health care bill was cut short this week as pro-life supporters fear the language could be removed.

Abortion rights supporters, including House lawmakers, have threatened to pull their support from the health care bill if language such as the Stupak amendment remains in the final version.

The Stupak amendment, introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), bars the use of federal funding for “any health plan [public or private] that includes coverage of abortion,” except in the cases of rape, incest or to save the woman’s life. more >>

Americans across the country are honoring military veterans on Wednesday with local events and church services.

The observance, however, comes with a somber note this year as thousands recently mourned the deaths of 12 soldiers and one civilian in a shooting rampage at Ft. Hood, Texas, last Thursday.

"Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched," President Obama said Tuesday during the memorial service. "Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we all too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – that is their legacy." more >>