NEWS STORY
RNS-Funeral-Directors: Funeral directors survive ‘surreal’ year with creativity and faith
(RNS) — With safety precautions changing the way people mourn, as well as the sheer volume of COVID-19 deaths, the men and women who sometimes wryly call themselves “last responders” have had a year like no other. “There is no way to explain it,” said Stephen Kemp, 61, director of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Southfield Michigan, which borders Detroit. “I will never forget it as long as I live. In terms of sheer volume, it was surreal.” By Elizabeth E. Evans. 1,124 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Iraqi-Priest: Pope’s trip to Iraq hopes to restore trust between Christians and Muslims
(RNS) – A pandemic, safety issues and chronic sciatica aren’t enough to convince Pope Francis not to visit Iraq, where Christians eagerly await his arrival in the hope that it will mend the “broken trust” with Muslims in the country. By Claire Giangravè. 700 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Secular-Biden: Secular groups praise Biden’s agenda, but express concerns about religious rhetoric
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Biden’s policy achievements have received high marks from secular activists, but his words have rankled many in the community, particularly his habit of infusing many important decisions and ceremonies with faith. By Jack Jenkins. 1,032 words. (category: a)