International
The opening of India’s new Rama temple made waves – but here’s what the central ritual actually meant
By Vasudha Narayanan — January 31, 2024
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Hinduism explains the importance of the consecration ritual, which is believed to bring the presence of the divine into the temple.
Here’s a look at the 6 things the UN is ordering Israel to do about its operation in Gaza
By Associated Press — January 29, 2024
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The decision was one step in a broader case that the court is considering about South Africa’s accusation that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Nazi genocides of Jews and Roma were entangled from the start – and so are their efforts at Holocaust remembrance today
By Ari Joskowicz — January 29, 2024
(The Conversation) — Many young people today know little about the murder of European Jews during the Holocaust, and even less about the murder of Romani communities.
France’s biggest Muslim school went from accolades to defunding – showing a key paradox in how the country treats Islam
By Vincent Geisser, Françoise Lorcerie, and Carol Ferrara — January 29, 2024
(The Conversation) — Some of the measures the French government has taken to fight radicalization can do the opposite, three social scientists argue.
Who was St. Brigid and why is she inspiring many 1,500 years after her death?
By Peter Smith — January 29, 2024
The commemorations come a year after Ireland began honoring her with an annual public holiday — the first Irish woman to be recognized with one.
Nazi death camp survivors mark 79th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation on Holocaust Remembrance Day
By Czarek Sokolowski — January 29, 2024
OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) — About 20 survivors from various camps set up by Nazi Germany around Europe laid wreaths and flowers and lit candles at the Death Wall in Auschwitz.
Muslims and Jews in Bosnia observe Holocaust Remembrance Day and call for peace and dialogue
By Sabina Niksic — January 29, 2024
SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — The event on Saturday underscored the message that the two communities share the experience of persecution and must stay united in their commitment to peace.
Nicaragua released imprisoned priests, but repression is unlikely to relent – and the Catholic Church remains a target
By Kai M. Thaler — January 24, 2024
(The Conversation) — When President Daniel Ortega returned to power in 2006, church figures supported him. Violent repression after the 2018 protests has soured the relationship and made clergy targets for intimidation.
Support for Israel’s war in Gaza is unraveling among some Jewish groups
By Yonat Shimron — January 23, 2024
(RNS) — J Street, the liberal American Jewish organization dedicated to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, called for an end to the war, the latest American Jewish group to do so.
In India’s new Ram temple, some American Hindus see a new beginning
By Richa Karmarkar — January 19, 2024
(RNS) — For many Hindus in the diaspora, the temple opening signifies a new beginning — one that has the power to strengthen the roots of the global Hindu ecosystem.
Fueled by unprecedented border crossings, a record 3 million cases clog US immigration courts
By Giovanna Dell'orto — January 17, 2024
MIAMI (AP) — About 261,000 cases of migrants placed in removal proceedings are pending in the Miami court — the largest docket in the country.
Kenya doomsday cult pastor and others will face charges of murder, cruelty and more
By Tom Odula — January 16, 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Survivors told investigators the pastor had instructed them to fast to death before the world ends so they could meet Jesus.
Jehovah’s Witnesses go to trial against Norway after state registration is revoked
By Kathryn Post — January 16, 2024
(RNS) — ‘It’s certainly the most important trial about a religious freedom issue in Norway in decades,’ said Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers.
In new temple to Lord Ram, the Indian city of Ayodhya hopes to shed a disturbing history
By Richa Karmarkar and Yashraj Sharma — January 12, 2024
AYODHYA, India (RNS) — Once a quaint town, this 2,500-year-old city will soon complete a transformation into a global pilgrimage site that will outstrip its renown as a center of Hindu nationalist violence.
Africa’s Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God’s will
By Nicole Winfield — January 11, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The controversy has deepened a growing chasm between Francis’ progressive, reform-minded papacy and the conservative church in much of the world
