News
With a final flourish, United Methodist conference eliminates all anti-LGBTQ policies
By Yonat Shimron — May 3, 2024
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (RNS) — The reversals came in the wake of a schism that saw the departure of a quarter of its US churches — more than 7,600 congregations — over the past five years.
Eastern Orthodox Church ordains Zimbabwean woman as its first deaconess
By Fiona André — May 3, 2024
Churches tied to Civil Rights awarded National Park Service preservation funds
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2024
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Catholic Bishop joins cease-fire prayer vigil protesting weapons for Israel
By Jack Jenkins — May 3, 2024
(RNS) — Asked about student protests on college campuses, Bishop John Stowe said he appreciated their 'interest in the situation and their solidarity with the Palestinians' but stressed the need to act peacefully.
Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture
By Jill Lawless — May 3, 2024
LYPIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — It’s one of 129 war-damaged Ukrainian religious sites recorded by UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization.
Photos of the Week: United Methodists; Orthodox Holy Week
By Kit Doyle — May 3, 2024
(RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes large changes for United Methodists, Orthodox Holy Week and more.
United Methodists redefine marriage, end official condemnation of homosexuality
By Yonat Shimron — May 2, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — A condemnation of homosexuality that has riven the denomination for 52 years was eliminated from the United Methodist Church’s rule book.
Priests prepare to bring synodality from the Vatican to parishes around the world
By Claire Giangravé — May 2, 2024
(RNS) — Even as some Catholics look at the synod with skepticism, others don’t know what it means or haven’t heard of it at all. Pope Francis is tasking parish priests with changing that.
Lebanese Christian leader says Hezbollah’s fighting with Israel has harmed Lebanon
By Abby Sewell and Bassem Mroue — May 2, 2024
MAARAB, Lebanon (AP) — His comments came as Western diplomats try to broker a de-escalation in the border conflict amid fears of a wider war.
Police arrest Polish teenager suspected of throwing firebombs at synagogue
By Associated Press — May 2, 2024
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Police in cooperation with the Internal Security Agency arrested the 16-year-old Polish male in Warsaw on Wednesday evening.
Expanding clergy sexual abuse probe targets New Orleans Catholic church leaders
By Jim Mustian — May 2, 2024
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The warrant contained several new details about the sex-trafficking investigation, including claims that some victims were sexually assaulted in a seminary swimming pool after being ordered to “skinny dip."
At time of rising antisemitism, Holocaust survivors take on denial and hate in new digital campaign
By Kirsten Grieshaber — May 2, 2024
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) —It features videos of survivors from around the globe reading Holocaust denial posts from different social media platforms.
Catholic leaders, urging cease-fire, call on Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel
By Jack Jenkins — May 2, 2024
(RNS) — ‘As U.S. Catholics, we recognize our country’s contribution to the present violence and to the ongoing systemic injustices in Israel-Palestine,’ the letter reads.
Azerbaijan named among religious freedom violators by religious liberty watchdog
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2024
(RNS) — The commissioners recommended the State Department also retain the dozen countries that are currently designated as ‘countries of particular concern.’
How a beloved worship song became the theme song of Christian nationalism
By Bob Smietana — May 1, 2024
(RNS) — ‘How Great Is Our God’ has long been one of the most popular worship songs in Christian churches. Since 2020, it’s also become a theme song for Christian nationalist protesters.
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