Leaders & Institutions
The pope says he wants to be buried in the Rome basilica, not in the Vatican
By Nicole Winfield — December 13, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis has already said if he retires, he would want to live outside the Vatican somewhere in Rome in a residence for retired priests.
Before he was House speaker, Mike Johnson represented a creationist museum in court. Here’s what that episode reveals about his politics
By William Trollinger — December 12, 2023
(The Conversation) — A scholar of American evangelicalism explains House Speaker Mike Johnson’s connections with Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum.
Biden calls ‘surge’ in antisemitism ‘sickening’ during White House Hanukkah reception
By Will Weissert — December 11, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration in May announced what it called the first-ever national strategy to counter antisemitism.
Liz Magill, U. Penn’s president, and board chair resign as antisemitism testimony draws backlash
By Marc Levy — December 11, 2023
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Universities across the U.S. have been accused of failing to protect Jewish students amid rising fears of antisemitism worldwide.
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.’
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.
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.
Takeaways from The AP’s investigation into the Mormon church’s handling of sex abuse cases
By Jason Dearen and Michael Rezendes — December 5, 2023
HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — Nondisclosure agreements, also known as confidentiality agreements, have been used frequently by the Mormon church and other organizations, including the Catholic Church, to keep sex abuse allegations secret.
On urgent issues, US Catholic bishops should follow the pope’s lead
By Mark Silk — December 4, 2023
(RNS) — Catching up with Francis on climate as well as democracy.
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.
What to know about the Sikh independence movement following US accusation that activist was targeted
By Sheikh Saaliq — December 1, 2023
NEW DELHI (AP) — India's Sikh independence movement eventually became a bloody armed insurgency that shook India in the 1970s and 1980s.R
Leading African ecumenical group elects first female president
By Fredrick Nzwili — November 30, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The Rev. Lydia Chituku Neshangwe, a Presbyterian minister, became the first woman to lead the ecumenical All Africa Conference of Churches.
Opposing communities plan separate memorial services for Carlton Pearson
By Adelle M. Banks — November 29, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I want to show diversity,’ Pearson said in a recording near the end of his life, which has ended up being shown through the range of services.
