NEWS STORY
RNS-Wilberforce-DebtErased: Wilberforce University, AME Church school, cancels debt for 2020, 2021 grads
(RNS) — The 2020 and 2021 graduates of Wilberforce University, an African Methodist Episcopal Church-affiliated school, had an extra reason to celebrate. Their president announced that any debts they still owed to the historically Black university had been forgiven. By Adelle M. Banks. 400 word. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-German-Blessings: In Germany, blessings for same-sex couples exacerbate tensions with Vatican
(RNS) — A campaign led by priests, deacons and laity at 110 Catholic churches, blessed same-sex couples, in defiance of a recent statement issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican that such blessings were “not legitimate” and that same-sex unions are “not ordered to the Creator’s plan.” By Ken Chitwood. 1,123 words (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Kimes-Lentz: Exclusive: Sex abuse allegations by Carl Lentz’s former nanny put spotlight on Hillsong culture
NEW YORK (RNS) — A former Hillsong NYC staff member has come forward with allegations that the megachurch’s former pastor Carl Lentz subjected her to “bullying, abuse of power and sexual abuse” over the course of seven years as she worked as a nanny in Lentz’s home. A legal representative for Carl and his wife, Laura Lentz, said the couple “vehemently denies” the allegations. 1,870 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Canonical-reform: Pope Francis issues long awaited reform of Vatican penal law
(RNS) – In a long-awaited reform of the Catholic Church’s penal code, Pope Francis on Tuesday issued stronger penalties for crimes including sexual abuse, financial malfeasance, and female ordination, applying the principle that “mercy requires correction.” By Claire Giangravè. 800 words. (category i)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Riess-Oped: Gen Z lost touch with faith communities during pandemic but kept the faith, says study
(RNS) — Only 10% of the young people surveyed said a clergy member had checked in to see how they were doing. And only 14% reported turning to a faith community when they felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. However, the study found young people’s personal faith more or less held steady despite all the upheaval. By Jana Riess. 795 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Silk-Oped: Hat store owner apologizes for the anti-vax yellow Star of David
(RNS) — Think about that for a moment. Enabling employees to reassure customers with a vaccination logo becomes equivalent to identifying Jews as national pariahs. By Mark Silk. 708 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Risher-Oped: Overturn Dylann Roof’s death sentence — for me, not for him
(RNS) — Despite the pain and damage done to my family, I reject the death penalty. I am aware that racism and other unfairnesses taint the criminal legal system in the United States; there are many other reasons to oppose capital punishment. But I know I am called to this work of ending it because these years of appeals can only be shortened if we abolish the death penalty altogether. By Sharon Risher. 639 words. (category: k)