(RNS) Surrounded by clergy wearing different religious garb, Biden says: “Look around. This is America.”

ST. LOUIS — The latest incident is being investigated along with the five other church fires that have happened in the area since Oct. 8.

Matthew Becker had raised questions about the denomination’s stance against the ordination of women, as well as its teaching of creationism, or the literal reading of the story of creation in the book of Genesis.

ST. LOUIS But some bishops argued that the group should follow in the steps of Pope Francis and place a greater emphasis on alleviating poverty.

ST. LOUIS – Members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops kicked off their annual spring assembly by denouncing racism as an “evil.”

ST. LOUIS (RNS) Catholic bishops did not conclusively rule out the possibility that the visions were supernatural, but said only that there was insufficient evidence.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) The master’s program in health care mission at Aquinas Institute of Theology aims to help lay leaders honor Roman Catholic traditions, training them in the history and ethics behind Catholic-based healing.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) For some, the disadvantages of being a Jewish politician are tangible. And they’re amplified for Missouri candidates who must win over rural voters with little exposure to the faith.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) Flood Christian Church is set off from the main protest area in Ferguson, and no adjacent buildings were damaged. Michael Brown’s father is a member of the church.

Families thought their street was ideal — until learning the center houses five convicted sex offenders.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) The Rev. C. Jessel Strong, president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, took the pulpit: “We’re here because we’re sick and tired. Why does it seem all of our children are shot by the police?”

ST. LOUIS (RNS) With a grand jury decision on whether to indict the officer who fatally shot African-American teenager Michael Brown, expected by the end of the month, churches in the area are prepared to offer refuge.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) More than 60 cities around the world have signed the Charter for Compassion and that more than 350 are in the process of joining.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (RNS) The Rev. Lamkin said she didn’t really have a plan when she ventured out to Ferguson but that “the whole being shot thing was probably the best thing that could have happened.”

(RNS) “I’ll say this as clearly as I can: What’s very clear is that black lives are worthless in America and the criminal justice system. It’s time to right that unacceptable wrong.”