NEWS STORY
RNS-Faggioli-Biden: How the second Catholic president will navigate a supportive Vatican and hostile US bishops
(RNS) — Joe Biden, the second Catholic president, is taking office at a time when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is revolting against Pope Francis and intent on fighting the culture wars, writes Massimo Faggioli, a leading authority on the history and inner workings of the Catholic Church and the author of a new book, “Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States.” The book explores Biden’s faith and areas where he might find common ground with the Vatican. A Q&A. By Yonat Shimron. 1,500 words (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Kenya-Persecution: After report on Christian persecution, Kenyan faith leaders point to Islamist militants
(RNS) — Kenya was listed the U.S based anti-persecution watchdog Open Doors as one of the countries where it is difficult to be Christian. According to the group, persecution of Christians has been spreading, especially in the predominantly Muslim northeastern and coastal regions. But local Christian leaders point to the influence of al-Shabab, the Somali Islamist group, which has been exporting anti-Christian violence across the border. By Fredrick Nzwili. 640 words. (category: i)