NEWS STORY
RNS-Ramadan-Israel: ‘Beautiful’ Ramadan returns for Israeli Muslims as restrictions lift
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Last year, Israel was under a strict lockdown to thwart the spread of COVID-19. Worshippers were forbidden to pray at mosques, synagogues and churches, even during Ramadan, Passover and Easter. Thanks to a sweeping vaccination campaign, Muslims in Israel have been able to pray at a mosque, including Al-Aqsa, during Ramadan — provided they adhere to rules such as wearing a mask indoors and social distancing. By Michele Chabin. 774 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-RacialJustice-Study: Despite multiracial congregation boom, some Black congregants report prejudice
(RNS) — Most practicing Christians surveyed said the church can enhance racial dynamics in this country by welcoming people of all races and ethnicities, new research finds. But 29% of Black practicing Christians say they have experienced racial prejudice in multiracial congregations, compared to about a tenth who report such an experience in monoracial Black churches. By Adelle M. Banks. 800 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Zollner-Center: The revamped Center for Child Protection is set to address systemic issues in the Catholic Church
(RNS) – A center for the protection of minors that has in many ways reshaped the perception of the Catholic Church’s handling of the sexual abuse crisis plans to network and grow to address “systemic issues” in the Catholic Church, expert says. By Claire Giangravè. 850 words. (category c)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Halal-Tacos: How a halal taco truck is helping vaccinate Muslims in Orange County
(RNS) — For more than three years, Rida Hamida has used a halal taco truck as a way of uniting Muslims and Latinos across Southern California. She’s also used it to mobilize people to fill out the Census, register residents to vote and now as a way to host vaccinations at mosques in Orange County. As a reward, she feeds people with free halal tacos. With the month of Ramadan underway, Hamida is organizing mobile vaccination sites at local mosques after sunset to vaccinate and feed Muslims as they break fast. By Alejandra Molina. 995 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Sermon-Ghostwriters: Why some preachers rely on holy ghostwriters
(RNS) — To keep up with the demand for top-notch sermons, some preachers have turned to teams of researchers or ghostwriters, often without telling their flocks. Some former ghostwriters and a prominent theologian worry such practices are a form of lying to congregations. By Bob Smietana. 1,000 words. (categories: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Ramadan-Home: For California Muslims: A Ramadan approaching normal
(RNS) —As California begins to chart a path to a future beyond the COVID-19 pandemic many Muslims are enjoying a Ramadan that is closer to normal. A recent Supreme Court ruling, a well subscribed vaccination campaign, and dropping COVID-19 transmission numbers mean for many in the Golden State this Ramadan has been closer to normal. By Joseph Hammond. 700 words (categories: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: We need more from the Catholic bishops than a mixed response to racism
(RNS) — The American Catholic bishops are frequently criticized for what they say in the political arena. Conservatives want them to speak out on abortion and less about immigration and the poor. Progressives, on the other hand, want them to do exactly the opposite. But it’s what the bishops haven’t said, particularly on racial justice, that has kept them from being a more prophetic voice in American life. By Thomas Reese. 1,045 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Camosy-Oped: God’s plan for animals is a hot topic in theology that we can all understand
(RNS) — Over the past decade in Christian theological circles, there’s been an explosion of concern for nonhuman animals. While much of theology is by its very nature rather abstract, this one is relatable, and the work being done has produced action out in the real world, including an attempt to free the zoo elephant Happy. By Charles C. Camosy. 1,045 words. (category: k)