News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Acts of Faith: 2006

November 24, 2006 Staff photo by Ted Richardson
Monsignor Matthew Hendrick, right, prays for Jesus Martinez, 15, left, whose brother, sister and nephew were killed the previous day in a tornado that struck the family's Columbus County neighborhood. Jesus was waiting for a Mass with his cousin Carmen Martinez, 16, center, and about 30 other friends and family at Cristo Rey (Christ the King) Catholic Church in Riegelwood. Those wishing to assist the families of storm victims can send donations to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 90, Wilmington, NC, 28401.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
About This Project


Ethan Hyman
"Acts of Faith" explores the different belief systems that co-exist in the Triangle area. Ten years of heavy migration has brought many new faiths to the region, turning the Bible Belt home of Billy Graham into a spiritual coat of many colors. Mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, Sikh Gurudwaras, synagogues and scores of Christian churches have become spiritual and social centers for a radically changing population. The demographic shift has pushed congregations to find innovative ways to keep their members while attracting new arrivals. "Acts of Faith" was born as a way to show this new religious diversity and analyze the role spirituality plays in people's daily lives.


Pailin Wedel
When covering an event for Acts of Faith, we look for situations that evoke strong emotion and try to bring readers into the moment. Though holidays and major celebrations are important, we also look for unexpected expressions of faith and quieter moments of solitary exploration. We hope to give readers insight into the breadth and depth of faith by showing how people incorporate it into their everyday lives.


Ted Richardson
For two years, Sher Stoneman and Susana Vera produced this column. In 2004, they handed it over to Ethan Hyman, Scott Lewis and Lisa Lauck. In 2005, Ted Richardson replaced Scott Lewis on this project. In 2006, Pailin Wedel replaced Lisa Lauck.

More photos: 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

Member of the
Real Cities Network

A subsidiary of The McClatchy Company