Clergy & Congregations
Faith leaders renew push for ‘accurate’ Black history education in Florida
By Adelle M. Banks — February 23, 2024
(RNS) — Training sessions in Tallahassee and in Orlando will feature curriculum companies whose products could enhance those wishing to teach Black history in schools and churches.
Retired Catholic bishop charged with sexual offenses in northwest Australia
By Rod Mcguirk — February 22, 2024
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Vatican investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against Saunders began in 2022.
Woman who says she was abused spiritually and sexually by a once-famous Jesuit demands transparency
By Nicole Winfield — February 22, 2024
ROME (AP) — The Jesuits kicked Marko Rupnik out of the order last year after he refused to respond to allegations of spiritual, psychological and sexual abuses by about 20 women.
Despite reforms, victims say church’s in-house processes to handle sex abuse cases retraumatizes
By Nicole Winfield — February 21, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Despite new church laws to hold bishops accountable and promises to do better, the Catholic Church’s in-house legal system and pastoral response to victims has proven incapable of dealing with the problem.
The Vatican’s problematic process to address clergy sex abuse cases, explained
By Nicole Winfield — February 20, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Five years ago this week, Francis convened an unprecedented summit of bishops from around the world to impress on them that clergy abuse was a global problem and they needed to address it.
Turkey will stop sending imams to German mosques – here’s why this matters
By Brian Van Wyck — February 16, 2024
(The Conversation) — The Turkish government started sending imams to Germany in the 1980s, but under a new agreement, imams will be trained in Germany instead.
Catholic bishops in Mexico say they negotiated for possible peace accord with drug cartel leaders
By Fabiola SÁnchez — February 16, 2024
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Drug cartels and gangs in Mexico don't just sell or smuggle drugs; they extort money from nearly every line of business in territories they control.
Israel complains after Vatican denounces ‘carnage’ and disproportionate response in Gaza
By Associated Press — February 15, 2024
ROME (AP) — The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See called the comments by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, “regrettable.”
How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny
By Jim Vertuno and Juan A. Lozano — February 14, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Police did not say whether the AR-15 was purchased retail, which would have required a background check if bought from a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a private sale, which would not.
Peace pilgrimage takes up war in Gaza as a civil rights issue
By Yonat Shimron — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — Many Black Americans view the Palestinian cause in the context of the African American experience of oppression. This has on occasion strained relations with American Jews.
Reluctant pastor’s son to most-viewed preacher: Shooting puts new spotlight on Joel Osteen
By Ben Finley — February 13, 2024
(AP) — The 60-year-old regularly preaches to about 45,000 people a week in a former basketball arena and he's known to millions more through his television sermons.
Pope and Argentine President Milei embrace after pontiff canonizes Argentina’s first female saint
By Nicole Winfield, Gianfranco Stara, and Alessandra Tarantino — February 12, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Mama Antula was an 18th century laywoman who ministered to the poor and helped keep Jesuit spirituality alive in Argentina after the religious order — to which the pope belongs — was suppressed.
What to know about a shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano — February 12, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen said the violence could have been worse if the shooting had happened during the earlier and larger late Sunday morning service.
Nicaragua’s crackdown on Catholic Church spreads fear among the faithful, there and in exile
By Giovanna Dell'orto — February 12, 2024
MIAMI (AP) — Like several Latin American governments tracing their roots back to socialist revolutions, Nicaragua’s has had an uneven relationship with faith leaders for decades.
Dexter Scott King remembered during memorial as keeper of his father Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream
By Mark Thiessen — February 12, 2024
The memorial service for Dexter King was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where his father once was pastor.