Yearly Archives: 2016
Merkel says Islamist terrorism is biggest test for Germany
By guest — December 31, 2016
(REUTERS) The leader of Western Europe's largest economy also urged Germans to shun populism and said Germany should take a leading role in addressing the many challenges facing the European Union.
Gay and lesbian Nigerians seeking deliverance find mental health anguish instead
By Wana Udobang — December 31, 2016
Distrust of Nigeria’s mental health system prevents many sexual and gender minorities from seeking professional help when coming to terms with their faith and sexuality.
‘Cancer is funny,’ says pastor — and his writing makes it so
By Jana Riess — December 30, 2016
One of my favorite books of the year is Jason Micheli's cancer memoir, which is by turns hilarious and devastating -- but always, always deeply theological. Here's a Q&A with the author.
NYPD to allow officers to wear turbans, beards for religious reasons
By guest — December 30, 2016
(USA Today) The move comes as the NYPD has been stressing diversity within its ranks, partly as a response to heightened tensions between police and communities across the country.
Catholics in China should integrate into socialist society – senior party official
By RNS staff — December 30, 2016
BEIJING – China says bishops must be named by the local Chinese Catholic community and refuses to accept the authority of the pope, whom it sees as the head of a foreign state that has no right to meddle in Beijing's affairs.
Aid flotilla to help Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar
By guest — December 30, 2016
(REUTERS) The flotilla has yet to receive permission to enter Myanmar, sparking fears of a confrontation with security forces that could worsen Myanmar's already-frayed ties with predominantly Muslim Malaysia.
Inauguration speaker Franklin Graham: God allowed Donald Trump to win
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 30, 2016
(RNS) 'I believe (God's) hand was at work, and I think he's given Christians an opportunity,' evangelist Franklin Graham said of Donald Trump's surprise election.
For gays and lesbians in Mombasa, coming out cuts both ways
By Mkamburi Mwawasi — December 30, 2016
Members of Mombasa’s LGBTI community discuss the pain and pleasure of coming out to friends, family and society at large.
Argentine court revives case on Jewish center bombing cover-up
By guest — December 29, 2016
(REUTERS) An appeals court has revived a case accusing former President Christina Fernandez of trying to cover up Iran's alleged role in the bombing of a Jewish center in 1994 that killed 85 people.
Judge orders psychiatric exam for South Carolina church shooter
By guest — December 29, 2016
(REUTERS) A federal judge on Thursday (Dec. 29) ordered a psychiatric examination for Dylann Roof, days before he is to represent himself as jurors hear evidence about whether he should be executed
Church of Scientology slams A&E
By guest — December 29, 2016
(VARIETY via REUTERS) Scientology officials say the network should have cancelled a series about Scientology because some people interviewed had been paid for their participation.
China says party control over religion in Tibet will only increase
By guest — December 29, 2016
(REUTERS) A vow to step up efforts to expose the "sinister intentions" of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Without latkes, there is no Judaism
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 29, 2016
Latkes are crucial to the American Jewish future. Or, something like that.
Top 5 ‘heresies’ of 2016: ‘One God,’ biblical authority and more
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 29, 2016
(RNS) As Christians prepared to mark 500 years since Martin Luther -- one of history's great heretics, or heroes, depending on your point of view -- 2016 found them debating theological questions most thought had been settled a millennium ago.
Clergy counselors stoke LGBT fears at Ghana high schools
By Prince Appiah — December 29, 2016
In Ghana, LGBT students are expelled for “sexual misconduct” or silenced for fear of being demonized by school counselors who double as religious leaders.
Page 1 of 184