NEWS STORY
RNS-Abuse-Religions: At online symposium, Pope Francis says religions can eradicate sexual abuse together
(RNS) – At an April 8-10 online symposium with religious representatives from all over the world, titled “Faith and Flourishing: Strategies for Preventing and Healing Child Sexual Abuse,” Pope Francis expressed his hope that together, religions can fight “this profound evil.” By Claire Giangravè. 800 words. (category c)
NEWS STORY
RNS-PP-Clergy: Planned Parenthood announces new clergy advisory board members, many from red states
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Planned Parenthood Federation of America is announcing a new slate of faith leaders for its clergy advisory board who mostly hail from states controlled by Republicans or in the South, a move officials say follows a “wave of lawmakers” such as Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock who have worked to “proudly champion reproductive rights as a matter of faith.” By Jack Jenkins. 950 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Edelman-Retire: Julian Edelman, the first Jewish football player named Super Bowl MVP, retires
(RNS) — Julian Edelman, a 7th round draft pick who became an unlikely star for the New England Patriots, announced his retirement. Edelman, who embraced his Jewish identity as an adult, was the first Jewish NFL player to be name Super Bowl MVP. By Bob Smietana. 500 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Bible-Design: Marketing ploy or sacred art? Bible publishers appeal to millennials with focus on design
(RNS) — At first, social media users weren’t sure if it was an elaborate April Fool’s joke: A Bible with a $300 price tag and a billboard on New York City’s Canal Street. But so-called “premium” Bibles aren’t new. And while they may not carry the same steep price tag, a number of new and traditional Bible publishers are stressing the beauty of an old-fashioned book and the experience of slowing down to read at a time when so much of life is lived online. By Emily McFarlan Miller. 900 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Catholics-Immigrants: As policies shift, Protestants and other faith groups join Catholics in helping immigrants at the border
(RNS) — There is an emerging dynamic along the U.S.-Mexico border: as officials on both sides of the divide grapple with an uptick in migrants, a robust collection of Catholic institutions that have long served in the region are rushing to offer their services. But as arrivals increase, Catholic groups are also often relying on an array of faith-based ecumenical partners to handle the influx of people hoping to cross the border. By Jack Jenkins and Alejandra Molina. 950 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Suleiman-Oped: Ramadan fasting isn’t about hunger. It’s about living mindfully.
(RNS) — The questions about Ramadan are always pretty much the same. First there is interest in how we observe the sacred month, which began this week. Then there is shock at how intense the requirement of fasting is. But fasting helps us live positively as well. Since sin is borne out of ingratitude, fasting makes us more aware of our blessings, hence more grateful and driven to good. By Omar Suleiman. 700 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: The future of Catholic liturgical reform
(RNS) — Other than sex, nothing is more heatedly debated by Catholics than the liturgy. Everyone has strong opinions based on years of personal experience. In this column, I offer my own ideas on improving liturgy as an attempt to get the conversation going, inviting liturgical scholars and others to consider my proposals (transparently and collegially). By Thomas Reese. 1,415 words. (category: k)
