Associated Press
Associated Press is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Associated Press
Danish government to present draft law making it illegal to burn the Quran or other religious texts
By Associated Press — August 28, 2023
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark has been viewed as a country that facilitates insults and denigration of the cultures, religions and traditions of other countries, the government said.
A retired Wyoming bishop cleared by Vatican of sexual abuse despite local findings has died at 91
By Associated Press — August 25, 2023
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared him of seven accusations of abuse and determined that five others couldn't be proven with certainty.
Amputees can get their body parts back for spiritual reasons, new Oregon law says
By Associated Press — August 24, 2023
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — For some members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, keeping a person’s body together is necessary for a smooth transition to the spirit world.
Nicaraguan government bans Jesuit order and says all its property will be confiscated
By Associated Press — August 24, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — It was the latest in a series of increasingly authoritarian actions by the Nicaraguan government against the Catholic Church and opposition figures.
Sheriff seeking phone records between Alabama priest and 18-year-old woman who fled to Europe
By Associated Press — August 23, 2023
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Alex Crow, a Catholic priest in south Alabama, left the country in late July with the 18-year-old woman, authorities in south Alabama said.
Pope Francis calls for peaceful end to the Niger crisis
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — He called on the international community “to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible, for the good of all.”
A former New York bishop who promoted social justice, but covered up rape allegations, dies at 84
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Hubbard passed away at Albany Medical Center on Saturday after being hospitalized for the stroke days prior, bishop spokesperson Mark Behan confirmed.
A woman interrupts a Quran-burning protest in Sweden by spraying activist with a fire extinguisher
By Associated Press — August 21, 2023
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Momika, a refugee from Iraq, has desecrated the Quran in a series of anti-Islam protests that have caused anger in many Muslim countries.
Australian ex-priest has prison sentence extended to 40 years for molesting 72nd child victim
By Associated Press — August 17, 2023
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The prison sentence has been extended eight times over the decades as more victims have come forward.
Nicaraguan government seizes highly regarded university from Jesuits
By Associated Press — August 17, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The University of Central America in Nicaragua, which was a hub for 2018 protests against the regime of President Daniel Ortega, called the terrorism accusation unfounded and the seizure a blow to academia in Nicaragua.
Sweden calls for vigilance abroad after Quran desecrations and protests
By Associated Press — August 16, 2023
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Henrik Landerholm, Sweden’s National Security Adviser, said there are signs of “a heightened threat" to the country and to Swedish interests abroad, adding the security situation has worsened.
Man sought in alleged misuse of over $30M intended for Christian ministry in China
By Associated Press — August 9, 2023
DUBLIN, Ga. (AP) — Prosecutors said Shenk got more than $30 million from faith-based charities and individual donors, primarily from religious communities in Ohio and North Carolina, promising to use the money to produce and distribute Bibles and other Christian literature in China.
Radical British preacher Anjem Choudary faces May trial on terrorism charges
By Associated Press — August 7, 2023
LONDON (AP) — Choudary, 56, is also charged with two other counts under the Terrorism Act: membership in a banned organization, the radical Muslim group al-Muhajiroun, and addressing meetings to encourage support for the organization over the past year.
Court affirms sex abuse conviction of ex-friar who worked at a Catholic school in Mississippi
By Associated Press — August 3, 2023
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Leflore County jurors in April 2022 found West guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust.
Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and education group sue to stop US’s first public religious school
By Associated Press — August 1, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A group of parents, faith leaders, and a public education nonprofit sued Monday to stop Oklahoma from establishing and funding what would be the nation’s first religious public charter school.
