Recent content from Jean Hopfensperger
Bankruptcy court approves St. Cloud Diocese plan for sex abuse victims
Victims of priest sex abuse would receive $22.5 million.
Minnesota churches launch 10-year plan for racial healing, reparations
The Minnesota Council of Churches, leveraging its 25 denominations with more than 1 million members, prioritizes path to "truth and reparation."
Minnesota faith leaders pray for peace for Armenian people
Civilians, soldiers among casualties of Azerbaijan shelling in a bloody conflict over disputed territory.
'Too much death': All Saints' Day has new resonance for many
The remembrance rituals of All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, marked this week, have taken on particular poignancy as the faithful mourn not just the deaths of loved ones, but the loss of more than 225,000 Americans from COVID-19.
Catholic composer Haas' sexual misconduct report alleges 44 victims in 41 years
Women describe decades of sexual misconduct by church musician.
Pope's civil union comments stir up Minnesota Catholics on both sides of issue
Gay Catholics say he should go further; traditionalists are irked.
People of Praise, Barrett's small faith community, has deep roots in Minnesota
A tiny faith group that shaped the life of Amy Coney Barrett has its largest chapter in Minnesota.
Virginia Louise 'Ginny' Jacobson, retired teacher and community volunteer, dies of COVID-19 at 83
Virginia Louise “Ginny” Jacobson was a Twin Cities teacher, outdoors enthusiast and an avid volunteer for organizations including the Linden Hills Co-op and Minneapolis Park…
Trump, Biden court Minnesota's Catholic vote
Biden, Trump focus on the wide swath of religious voters.
Minnesota priest who says COVID-19 is a scam told to halt such preaching
But the Rev. Robert Altier still insists the pandemic is a "lie.''
George Burbie, longtime social work leader, dies at 75
He oversaw a team in the employee assistance program at Ceridian Corp., and also worked as a nonprofit consultant, his wife said.
Twin Cities Jewish community has grown by 23% since 2004
Strong economy, interfaith marriages and new migration drive trend.
Two renegade priests deny COVID, condemn Democrats
Catholic priests — all faith leaders — are supposed to steer clear of endorsing political leaders, at minimum from the pulpit. But the two incendiary speeches reveal that the country's polarized political climate is drifting through some church doors.
Priest accused of child sex abuse was allowed at Minn. Catholic music camp
More fallout from the abuse reports against David Haas, one of the nation's most popular composers of Catholic liturgical music.
Faith groups grapple with economic fallout of COVID-19
In-person donations have shrunk or evaporated. While online donations have jumped, faith leaders worry that could dwindle.
Popular Catholic composer accused of sexual misconduct
David Haas, who worked at Benilde-St. Margaret, St. Paul Seminary and St. Catherine's, has been accused of sexual misconduct toward multiple young women who studied with him over the years.
In Minnesota, mutual aid groups surge in wake of Floyd death
Mutual aid societies revived to help with riot losses, pandemic
New Ulm bishop resigns, citing health reasons
The Rev. John LeVoir oversaw the diocese during sexual abuse lawsuits and bankruptcy.
Twin Cities Black clergy hope to seize power of the moment
A group of Twin Cities Black pastors has been discussing a proposal with Gov. Tim Walz to create a Minnesota "social compact" that would forge new investments and public policies to begin erasing racial inequities.
Minnesota's 30 Days of Prayer seeks spiritual insights into police, political problems
30 Days of Prayer encourages people to grieve "multiple layers of trauma."
'Crisis mode chaplains' seek to heal trauma of Floyd's death
More than 100 Minnesota faith leaders have fanned out at events ranging from State Capitol protests to food distributions to a Juneteenth celebration. They serve as compassionate listeners, helping hands and tension diffusers in stressful situations.
Mounds View man charged with child sex abuse
A Mounds View man has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under age 13 for alleged sex abuse when he worked…
Mpls. nonprofit to give surprise boost to Lake Street businesses
Urban Ventures pivots from food relief to business stipends and more to help replenish, repair and rebuild.
St. Cloud Diocese declares bankruptcy
The Diocese of St. Cloud filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Monday, just weeks after reaching a $22.5 million settlement with clergy abuse survivors.The…
American Indian patrol in Minneapolis credited with saving buildings during violence
Community groups offer thanks to American Indian patrols that saved more than 20 businesses and nonprofits from protest violence.
Exhausted Minneapolis citizen patrols still wary, but seek a calmer path forward
A week out from the height of the violence, a fragile calm is descending as neighbors reach for a new normal.
In Minneapolis, a quiet army of generosity gains strength
The sheer scope of support, pouring in from Minnesota and the nation, has surprised and relieved exhausted Minneapolis communities.
Minnesota church attendance starts slowly this weekend
Many Minnesota churches opened their doors to smaller than expected crowds Sunday, and most didn't open at all, facing COVID-19 safety concerns and civil unrest…
Minnesota churches reopen this weekend with excitement, questions in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
Many Minnesotans relish a return to church, while others still unsure of safety.
Minnesota churches open for first time since March 18
While any group could open its doors, Catholics had the advantage because they tend to have daily services.
Trump's threat intensifies tensions over reopening places of worship in Minnesota
Catholic leaders and Gov. Tim Walz met again Friday but made no announcement about reaching common ground.
Minnesota church groups divided on Gov. Walz's orders
Minnesota's Catholic archbishop says churches can be reopened safely while others stepped forward in support of refraining from moving too quickly.
Tom Johnson, St. Paul Archdiocese clergy abuse ombudsman, steps down
Volunteer post, required by clergy abuse settlement, will be held by his wife, Victoria Newcome Johnson.
Minn. priest, composer of 'On Eagle's Wings,' pens viral hymn for COVID-19
The Rev. Michael Joncas hopes his new song will bring comfort.
St. Paul Archdiocese has strong protection policies, review finds
Archdiocese has policies among best in nation but they have room for improvement, according to findings released by the Ramsey County Attorney's Office.
Muslim charities step up with iftar meals, food boxes this Ramadan season
Every night around 6:30, the cars begin pulling into the parking lot of a Columbia Heights nonprofit. The folks inside are Muslims checking out a…
After tackling suburban poverty for Interfaith Outreach for 40 years, director steps down
LaDonna Hoy gained a reputation as a tireless advocate who got things done.
Religion doesn't buffer young adults from loneliness
Attending services doesn't protect against isolation, survey of youth ages 13-25 finds.
Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast in Cedar-Riverside neighborhood
The first broadcast in Minnesota will run through Ramadan holy days.
Survey finds lack of knowledge about religions' figureheads
More than half of the respondents couldn't come up with a name related to Islam, Judaism, evangelical Protestantism or atheism.
For Minnesota's Jews, COVID-19 reshapes Passover celebrations
Jewish leaders predict there will be more seders this year than any in memory, because so many people are under the stay-at-home rule.
Minnesota church that had evaded virus rules now cancels services
University Lutheran Chapel in Minneapolis had continued services despite virus threats, until Wednesday.
Request to Vatican to investigate Archbishop Nienstedt in limbo
It's being called a test case of new Vatican rules to discipline bishops.
Worship moves from sanctuary to living room, as Minnesota churches go online
Every major Christian denomination in Minnesota now has suspended in-person worship, leaving faith leaders scrambling for alternatives.
Global Methodist conference in Minneapolis to address LGBT inclusion is postponed
The Minneapolis Convention Center was going to be the epicenter of the debate, with up to 7,000 visitors from across the world expected.
Prevention joins prayer at Minnesota houses of worship wary of coronavirus
Minnesota's faithful face an ever-changing landscape with unprecedented measures, unfolding everywhere.
Bob DeBoer, who left a legacy of innovation for special needs kids, dies at 73
He and his wife, Kathy DeBoer, launched A Chance to Grow, which offers services such as vision therapy, auditory services and neurofeedback for struggling learners.
Minnesota church is base of 100-year-old Kurdish relief project
The nonprofit Lutheran Mideast Development is one of the state's oldest global initiatives.
Thousands flock to Eagle Brook megachurch as pastor retires
Leader at state's largest megachurch retired Sunday, marking the end of era.
Does your faith influence your choice of pet?
An unusual new study examines the link between religious views and pet ownership.
Minnesota pastor leads campaign to try to shift evangelical vote
"We're not trying to make everyone a Democrat, just to vote for one this time," the Rev. Doug Pagitt says.
Minnesota church Facebook page explodes – with requests for the Illuminati
It shows off the downside of the national trend for churches to creatively rebrand.
Erasing medical debt is new mission of Twin Cities church
The congregation of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove donated $15,000 to pay off more than $1 million in debts, said the Rev. Joel Wight Hoogheem.
Ramsey County ends oversight of St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese over clergy sex abuse
Archbishop pledges to continue initiatives to prevent clergy sex abuse of children.
Minnesota woman shares 'hidden recipes' of Jewish women enslaved by Nazis
Daughter will tell remarkable story of mother's survival at Minnesota's Holocaust remembrance event.
Protestants feel closer to clergy than Catholics do, researchers say
About half in both said they were "somewhat close" to the person leading their worship services. But faith in their advice differed widely by issue.
Luanne Nyberg, founder of Children's Defense Fund Minnesota, dies at 73
She was among the most ardent advocates at the Legislature for the Children's Health Insurance Program, which became a national model.
Minnesota researcher reveals day in the life of a Catholic bishop
The Rev. Stephen Fichter presented the findings last week during a lecture at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Methodist leaders support new plan ending LGBT sanctions
Individual churches would be allowed to decide whether to be inclusive.
Investigator of CIA torture honored as 'hero among us' helps put a spotlight on ethics, integrity
Daniel J. Jones addressed a crowd of several hundred people at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park.
Minnesotan retires as head of National Association of Evangelicals
The Rev. Leith Anderson, former pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, steps down next week after 13 years as the group's president.
For more Minn. churchgoers, Sundays come with a commute
More Minnesota worshipers travel farther to go to church. And that's a mixed blessing for pastors and priests.
Minnesota Dixieland band played 2,000 churches, 35 years
The musicians' long run of harmonizing their faith with their talents has come to an end.
New network aims to link interfaith efforts in Minnesota
The Minnesota Multifaith Network kickoff is Dec. 16.
Minnesota Sikhs celebrate 550th anniversary of their faith
Minnesota adherents reach out to mark faith's founding.
'Blank Friday' offers Zen alternative to shopping in Minneapolis
Minnesota Zen Meditation Center lets visitors seek peace, not purchases
Minnesota radio station launched by Billy Graham marks 70th year
The traditional organ recitals and church melodies have morphed into contemporary Christian music on KTIS FM 98.5.
Great Big Challah Bake links 500 cooks, one faith in Twin Cities metro
The event in Hopkins offers a night of global solidarity for Jews.
Exorcisms make a 21st century comeback in Minnesota, U.S.
No official data are available, but church leaders say there are more Catholic exorcists in the U.S. today than at any time in recent memory.
St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese taps restorative justice to heal impact of sex abuse
The archdiocese is a national leader in using the techniques to address the lingering repercussions of clergy abuse, a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice said.
Study explores what's replacing religion for young people
A new research institute has been launched in Minnesota specifically to explore this question, focusing on where 13- to 25-year-olds — from all religious backgrounds — are finding the support often offered at religious institutions.
Catholics turn to foreign priests to ease clergy shortage
An estimated one in six Catholic priests in the U.S. now hail from other countries, including more than 50 of the 203 full-time priests active in the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocese.
Minnesota church is model for new way to help kids in need
The Rev. Tom Pfotenhauer, pastor at Woodbury Lutheran Church, said letting the children pick the person was "empowering" for them.
John Kinney, retired bishop of St. Cloud, dies at 82
Bishop John Francis Kinney arrived at the Diocese of St. Cloud in 1995, and soon began focusing on support for the poor and disadvantaged.He asked…
