Faith
Harvard Pluralism Project’s Diana Eck retires after decades of research, promoting dialogue
By Adelle M. Banks — May 9, 2024
(RNS) — Eck said she hopes the Pluralism Project, which has been a model for affiliates and organizations across the country, will continue to foster dialogue and engagement.
Pope Francis appoints new bishop in Tennessee after former bishop’s resignation under pressure
By Associated Press — May 9, 2024
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Vatican announced the appointment in its Tuesday noon bulletin. As is usual, the announcement made no mention of his predecessor or the circumstances under which he left the post.
Court rules North Carolina Catholic school could fire gay teacher who announced his wedding online
By Gary D. Robertson — May 9, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The school said Billard wasn't invited back as a substitute teacher because of his “advocacy in favor of a position that is opposed to what the church teaches about marriage,” a court document said.
Michigan man accused of making explosives to target Satanic Temple in Massachusetts
By Associated Press — May 9, 2024
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Luke Terpstra was charged in western Michigan with two felonies: transportation of an explosive and possession of an unregistered explosive.
Holy Year or holy mess, Vatican and Rome begin dash to 2025 Jubilee with papal bull, construction
By Nicole Winfield — May 9, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will preside over a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica for the formal reading of the papal bull, or official edict, that lays out the spiritual theme of hope for the year.
Controversial antisemitism bills are passing, and not only in the US House
By Yonat Shimron — May 8, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — A North Carolina bill known as the Shalom Act is similar to the Antisemitism Awareness Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
Grace College professor ousted after online commentators flag ‘woke’ social media posts
By Kathryn Post — May 8, 2024
(RNS) — It’s the latest in a string of professor terminations at Christian colleges seemingly tied to clashes over narrowing and often unspoken political and theological criteria.
How faith leaders can get a grasp on the mental health crisis
By Nicole Guzik — May 8, 2024
(RNS) — Clergy can’t solve every congregant’s mental health problem, but we can be a conduit of information and help.
Is the golden age of American Jews really ending?
By Mark Silk — May 8, 2024
(RNS) — Reports of its demise are premature.
Ugandan faith leaders work to confront increase in gender-based violence
By Tonny Onyulo — May 8, 2024
BUPOTO, Uganda (RNS) — ‘We need to work together if we are to end gender-based violence. We need to involve the government, NGOs, parents, community leaders, women and girls,’ said one evangelist.
Harlem church offers vegan cooking classes to promote healthy lifestyle
By Fiona André — May 8, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) – ‘We’re showing people that you can eat healthy and satisfy your taste buds,’ said Karen Phipps, director of the church’s health ministry.
How 19th-century Spiritualists ‘canceled’ the idea of hell to address social and political concerns
By Lindsay DiCuirci — May 8, 2024
(The Conversation) — Spiritualists believed that after shedding the body in death, the spirit would continue on a celestial journey and help those on Earth create a more just world.
Southern Baptists, losing members, find solace in baptisms and better attendance
By Bob Smietana — May 7, 2024
(RNS) — While membership in the nation’s largest Protestant denomination is down, participation in worship and baptisms went up in 2023. But a new statistical report found that many Southern Baptist Convention churches do little to address sexual abuse.
Baltimore Catholic parish closures a ‘punch in the stomach’ with long-term impact
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 7, 2024
BALTIMORE (RNS) — Parish closures in the nation’s oldest Catholic diocese are part of a nationwide trend of dioceses restructuring in response to falling Mass attendance and priest shortages.
For Muslim student protesters, a sense of purpose mingled with fear
By Dina Katgara — May 7, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — Muslim participants describe feeling solidarity with other protesters but also unease at the watching world.
