Alejandra Molina
Alejandra Molina is a National Reporter covering Latinos and religion in the West Coast. She is based in Los Angeles. Previously, she was a reporter for the Southern California News Group where she covered cities, immigration, race and religion for newspapers like The Orange County Register, The Press-Enterprise in Riverside and The Los Angeles Daily News.
All Stories by Alejandra Molina
Large conventions resume for Jehovah’s Witnesses
By Alejandra Molina — June 1, 2023
(RNS) — Beginning Friday (June 2), the three-day gathering will be held at the Long Beach Arena in Los Angeles County, the first of 12 conventions at the arena this summer.
Back and forth continues over ‘queer and trans nuns’ inclusion in Dodgers Pride Night
By Alejandra Molina — May 31, 2023
(RNS) — At least one Roman Catholic nun has publicly spoken in support of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence ‘for their financial assistance to those in need.’
Catholic Church in California grapples with more than 3,000 lawsuits, alleging child sex abuse
By Alejandra Molina — May 26, 2023
(RNS) — Advocates have been left stunned by the number of cases that surfaced during this revival window.
Charges reduced for ‘Indigenous Peoples 5’ in toppling of Junipero Serra statue
By Alejandra Molina — May 26, 2023
(RNS) — Since the toppling of the statue at Mission San Rafael Arcángel in San Rafael, more than 80,000 have signed a petition urging District Attorney Lori Frugoli to drop the charges against the protesters.
Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Illinois raising funds to repair arson damage
By Alejandra Molina — May 25, 2023
(RNS) — A fire Tuesday damaged several statues, art pieces and the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ, also known as the “Altar of Miracles."
Religious broadcasters seek to reverse California law aimed at quelling online hate speech
By Alejandra Molina — May 19, 2023
(RNS) — The National Religious Broadcasters said the law affects its members 'by having their speech repressed.'
Dodgers remove ‘queer and trans nuns’ from Pride Night amid Catholic pushback
By Alejandra Molina — May 18, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The LA chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence said it was saddened that the team succumbed ‘to pressure from persons outside of the State of California and outside of our community.’
Latino faith leaders to gather for summit on Christian nationalism
By Alejandra Molina — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — Christian nationalism has ‘infiltrated’ the Latino Christian community ‘in such a powerful way,’ said one clergyman, ‘that they are not even aware of the position they are supporting.’
Amid Catholic opposition, House passes GOP-backed border security bill
By Alejandra Molina — May 12, 2023
(RNS) — Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso called the bill 'harmful' and 'extreme' in a letter signaling the US bishops’ opposition to the legislation. The legislation is not likely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate.
California bill barring caste discrimination overwhelmingly passes state Senate
By Alejandra Molina — May 11, 2023
(RNS) — The bill, SB 403, passed on a 34-1 vote and now heads to the Democratic-controlled state Assembly.
Faith-based refugee resettlement agencies denounce new asylum rule
By Yonat Shimron and Alejandra Molina — May 11, 2023
(RNS) — The new rule, which goes into effect May 16, rejects asylum claims for most people who cross the border but do not first seek asylum in Mexico.
Latino faith leaders continue pressure against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ immigration bill
By Alejandra Molina — May 5, 2023
(RNS) — 'This legislation, if adopted, would incite fear and create barriers of needed care that our church immigrant and refugee ministries engage,' reads a letter signed by more than 1,000 Latino pastors, faith leaders and congregants.
How women have cultivated religious authority at LA’s Women’s Mosque of America
By Alejandra Molina — May 2, 2023
(RNS) — Author Tazeen M. Ali said the Women’s Mosque of America ‘has global implications for how we study Islam.’
LA’s Atheist Street Pirates go national in efforts to remove illegal religious signs
By Alejandra Molina — April 28, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A recent art exhibition featured signs and banners volunteers had removed from across Southern California.
Amid threats, California lawmaker calls bill barring caste discrimination ‘right thing to do’
By Alejandra Molina — April 25, 2023
(RNS) — Groups such as the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America say the bill targets Hindus and Indian Americans who are commonly associated with the caste system.
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