The Christian Century

c. 2011 Salt Lake Tribune (RNS) For years, the Rev. Bernie Anderson carried a shameful secret -- one he feared would destroy his marriage, his career, his standing in the community, even his spiritual identity.

He was addicted to pornography.

The number of religious advocacy groups in the nation's capital has more than tripled since the 1970s, with conservative groups experiencing the biggest growth, according to a new report.

The abuse allegations at Penn State seem unthinkable: revered assistant coach and prominent community activist Jerry Sandusky preying on eight children. But such abuses of trust occur repeatedly across the country.

Experts say respected people who set up charitable or social groups for children, only to be implicated in some form of child sexual abuse, are a frightening reality.

A Catholic bishop in Missouri has avoided a second criminal charge for failing to report suspected child abuse by agreeing to allow prosecutors to oversee similar allegations against church officials in their county for the next five years.

(ENInews)--As legislators in Uganda prepare to re-open debate on a bill that would harshly punish homosexuals, a church leader who campaigns for gay rights has renewed his call for tolerance and compassion.