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
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.
‘Is this kosher?’ Jewish billboards in LA call for humane eating practices.
By Alejandra Molina — April 20, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The billboards went up this week as part of a campaign launched by the Jewish Initiative for Animals against factory farming.
Survey: US-born Latinos now more likely to be ‘nones’ than Catholic
By Alejandra Molina — April 13, 2023
(RNS) — Among the 65% who said they were raised Catholic, 23% said they no longer identified as such.
Hate crime suspect arrested in vandalism of Los Angeles mosque
By Alejandra Molina — April 11, 2023
(RNS) — ‘The attack was not just on this center or what’s happening in other parts of the world or the country, it’s an attack on our city as a whole,’ said Omar Ricci, a spokesman for the Islamic Center of Southern California.
Secular organizers say interfaith spaces should include atheists, nonbelievers
By Alejandra Molina — April 10, 2023
(RNS) — It is perplexing, some say, when interfaith leaders refer to the religious freedom movement as 'radically inclusive' while 'one of the biggest sections of society' is left out of the conversation.
LGBTQ group condemns Point Loma Nazarene University for theology dean’s dismissal
By Alejandra Molina — April 7, 2023
(RNS) — The university denies charges by Lauren Cazares, founder of Loma LGBTQIA+ Alumni & Allies Coalition, that the dean of the school of theology was terminated for 'anything related to the LGBTQIA+ community.'
Prayer rug design project aims to highlight Islam’s diversity in US and Latin America
By Alejandra Molina — April 3, 2023
(RNS) — Mustafa Dustin Craun wants to create a conversation around family, place and belonging, asking: 'If you could design a prayer rug that reflects the place that you live, what would that look like?'
Faith leaders and religious groups voice opposition to Biden’s plan to restrict asylum
By Alejandra Molina — March 29, 2023
(RNS) — The new rules mirror restrictions set forth by the Trump administration that were eventually blocked in court by migrant activist groups.
Across the country, a push to observe Muslim holidays in school calendars
By Alejandra Molina — March 17, 2023
(RNS) — Efforts to designate Eid as a school holiday are driven by students, and not just in schools with large Muslim populations.
Orthodox Jewish parents sue California for ban on special ed funds to religious schools
By Alejandra Molina — March 14, 2023
(RNS) — ‘It takes a special kind of chutzpah to deny Jewish kids with disabilities equal access to special education benefits,’ said Eric Rassbach, an attorney representing the parents.
Nuns, friars partner to explore future for iconic shuttered Hollywood monastery
By Alejandra Molina — March 10, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The chapel, gift shop and beloved peanut brittle and pumpkin bread business have remained open.
Another COVID-19 outbreak strikes Northern California retirement home for Jesuits
By Alejandra Molina — March 8, 2023
(RNS) — As of Tuesday, 31 men had tested positive for COVID-19 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, an unincorporated town in Santa Clara County.
Thousands attend funeral Mass for beloved Los Angeles Bishop David O’Connell
By Alejandra Molina — March 3, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — 'He was friends up and down the social scale, at ease in the corridors of power and with the powerless,' said Monsignor Jarlath Cunnane during his homily.
In Florida, Latino evangelicals mobilize against DeSantis’ crackdown on immigrants
By Alejandra Molina — March 2, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Allowing politics to interfere in the decision-making of congregations,’ said Carlos Carbajal, who leads an immigrant evangelical congregation in Miami, would be a ‘betrayal of the gospel.’
Churches urge Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay execution of Donald Dillbeck
By Alejandra Molina — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — Maria DeLiberato, executive director for Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said it’s been powerful to see the faith community join the cause, particularly Latino evangelical congregations and Catholic churches, as they honor their traditions in protection of life.
