Clergy & Congregations
Pope, once a victim of AI-generated imagery, calls for treaty to regulate artificial intelligence
By Nicole Winfield — December 14, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each Jan. 1.
Latino majority congregations see growth, financial struggles, report finds
By Adelle M. Banks — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Still, the overarching picture for majority Latino congregations looks more promising than for other congregations,’ said sociologist of religion Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi.
As few details are released, fatal stabbing of Catholic priest rocks small Nebraska community
By Josh Funk — December 12, 2023
FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, who served at St. John the Baptist church, was attacked during what authorities called a break-in early Sunday. He died despite being rushed to an Omaha hospital
New charge filed against man accused of firing shotgun outside New York synagogue
By Associated Press — December 12, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The new charge stems from the recent purchase of the shotgun authorities said he used in the shooting.
Mormon church selects British man who converted to the faith as an adult for top governing body
By Hannah Schoenbaum — December 11, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — More than half the faith’s 17 million members live outside the United States, according to church statistics.
Preaching to polarized congregations: A responsibility and a challenge, clergy say
By Adelle M. Banks — December 8, 2023
(RNS) — 'It's not about going from red to blue to purple,' Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement advises clergy. ‘It's about going above the partisan divisions.’
Man fires shotgun outside Jewish temple in upstate New York as Hanukkah begins, no one injured
By Maysoon Khan — December 8, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The gunfire outside Temple Israel happened at around 2 p.m. and a 28-year-old man was in custody, according to officials.
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 6, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.
A new Homeland Security guide aims to help houses of worship protect themselves
By Rebecca Santana — December 6, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The guidance comes at a time of deep unease in many communities of faith across America.
Bishop Curry hospitalized for brain bleeding after fall in Syracuse
By Fiona André — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — Bishop Michael Curry has been hospitalized twice previously this year for internal bleeding and heart conditions.
Parties canceled. Celebrations toned down. Hanukkah won’t be the same this year.
By Yonat Shimron — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — With the Israeli military in the midst of a destructive showdown in its war with Hamas, many U.S. Jews aren’t in the mood for triumphant Hanukkah cheer.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
By Darren Sands — December 5, 2023
The Bishop's splintered influence was underscored this week as different factions paid tribute to Pearson at various memorial services that have raised questions — and objections — about how best to remember him.
Pope Francis says he’s doing better but again skips his window appearance facing St. Peter’s Square
By Frances D'emilio — December 4, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people in the square followed his words from giant screens set up outdoors.
Recordings show how the Mormon church protects itself from child sex abuse claims
By Jason Dearen and Michael Rezendes — December 4, 2023
HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — Nondisclosure agreements have been used frequently by the Mormon church and other organizations to keep sex abuse allegations secret.
This Christmas, churches are preparing for a frenzy of festivity
By Fiona André — December 1, 2023
(RNS) — You think you have a busy Christmas? The country's best-attended churches are managing a crush of Masses this year.
