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
Report: Catholic clergy’s unquestioned — and uneducated — power spurs abuse
By Alejandra Molina — August 15, 2022
(RNS) — The report, 'Beyond Bad Apples,' looks at systemic causes behind the clergy sex abuse scandal of past decades.
Cómo una congregación latina en California se encontró en el centro del ajuste de cuentas racial de la ELCA
By Alejandra Molina — August 12, 2022
Los líderes de la denominación, que es 96% blanca, dicen que se esfuerzan por "convertirse en una iglesia multiétnica y multicultural" mientras lidian con las acusaciones de racismo.
How a Latino congregation in California found itself at the center of ELCA’s racial reckoning
By Alejandra Molina — August 10, 2022
(RNS) — Leaders of the denomination, which is 96% white, say they’re striving toward ‘becoming a multiethnic and multicultural church’ as they grapple with accusations of racism.
Sikh Americans honor 10th anniversary of Oak Creek shooting
By Alejandra Molina — August 2, 2022
(RNS) — It remains the deadliest act of anti-Sikh hate in U.S. history — now Sikhs are standing in solidarity with other faith communities that have since fallen victim to violent hate crimes.
Washington state confirms probe into Seattle Pacific University’s LGBTQ hiring practices
By Alejandra Molina — July 29, 2022
(RNS) — The attorney general said numerous students, faculty and others reached out to his office to file complaints or to express 'deep concern' that the university policies illegally violate Washingtonians’ civil rights.
Seattle Pacific University sues Washington state over probe into LGBTQ exclusion
By Alejandra Molina — July 28, 2022
(RNS) — Counsel for the school said Attorney General Bob Ferguson singled out the university 'because of its Christian beliefs, demanding information about the school’s religious hiring practices and employees.'
An interfaith group in Oregon is behind one of nation’s strictest gun control measures
By Alejandra Molina — July 26, 2022
(RNS) — ‘Never underestimate what can come from a church basement, a synagogue, a mosque or a temple,’ said the Rev. Mark Knutson, senior pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.
Memphis pastor is second UMC clergy killed this year
By Alejandra Molina — July 19, 2022
(RNS) — ‘We’re broken. We’re grief-stricken. We have questions. We have doubts as we remember the life of a dear precious friend, a wonderful servant of our God, of this community,’ said Memphis Theological Seminary President Jody Hill.
A new survey found Latino Catholics overwhelmingly support abortion rights. Here’s why.
By Alejandra Molina — July 18, 2022
(RNS) — With Roe v. Wade overturned, new data from the Washington, D.C.-based Public Religion Research Institute found that among Latino Catholics, 75% say abortion should be legal in most or all cases. That’s a big jump from the 51% who said so in 2010.
Students at Seattle Pacific University end sit-in, plan to sue over LGBTQ exclusion
By Alejandra Molina — July 2, 2022
(RNS) — As of Saturday afternoon, students had raised more than $35,000 through GoFundMe to cover legal fees.
California Christian groups fight post-Roe measures to expand abortion rights
By Alejandra Molina — July 1, 2022
(RNS) — 'So many of us have worked for a large part of our lives to see Roe end and then to realize that as Roe is ending, California is increasing abortion — that is very difficult.'
Mine can be built on Apache sacred site, Oak Flat, federal appeals court rules
By Alejandra Molina — June 27, 2022
(RNS) — The Apache Stronghold coalition said they will appeal to the US Supreme Court.
A study of Jewish LA finds a growing and diverse community
By Alejandra Molina — June 27, 2022
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — 'What happens here, and is cutting edge here, will lead the cultural evolution of Jewish life across the country,' said Noah Farkas, chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
Will La Luz Del Mundo persist with leader behind bars?
By Alejandra Molina — June 22, 2022
(RNS) — It’s incredibly difficult to leave a religious organization that’s given followers a worldview that says, ‘we are God’s chosen,’ experts note.
Seattle Pacific University students continue sit-in after viral graduation protest
By Alejandra Molina — June 17, 2022
(RNS) — 'We weren't just going to do the whole pomp and circumstance and let this issue fade into the background,' said graduating senior Chloe Guillot.
