Social Issues
The ‘India problem’ under the surface at the Parliament of the World’s Religions
By Richa Karmarkar — August 18, 2023
(RNS) — Hindu organizations say they were uniquely singled out for their views on the contentious Indian political atmosphere, leaving some Hindus wondering why they must be tied to the politics of India at an event centered on cultivating harmony between the world's religious communities.
Are white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no.
By Yonat Shimron — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — A new study shows white evangelical clergy are as conservative, if not more so, as the people in their churches.
How India’s religious violence is becoming a problem for American politicians
By Richa Karmarkar — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — US politicians are under increasing pressure to account for their courtship of Indian Prime Minister Modi, the leader of a strategically important ally and the world's largest democracy.
Richard Dawkins has abandoned science to justify his transphobia
By Hemant Mehta — August 1, 2023
(RNS) — It’s jarring to see the world’s most famous atheist use his massive platform to downplay or deny trans identities.
The Hindus fighting against ‘caste consciousness’
By Richa Karmarkar — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — An ongoing fight in the California Legislature and the courts focuses not on caste discrimination itself but whether efforts to end it only make it worse.
Supreme Court ruling in favor of mail carrier celebrated across religious spectrum
By Yonat Shimron — June 29, 2023
(RNS) — Many U.S. religious minorities said the ruling was a much-needed corrective to the challenges they face in balancing their work with their sincerely held religious practices.
US Jews mourn the anniversary of the fall of Roe with a yahrzeit
By Yonat Shimron — June 23, 2023
(RNS) — American Jews lit a candle made to burn for 24 hours to remember the souls of people who have died in forced births.
William Barber departs pulpit of Greenleaf Church with an ode to the power of disability
By Yonat Shimron — June 19, 2023
(RNS) — The sermon, which capped his 30-year tenure as pastor of the Disciples of Christ church in Goldsboro, North Carolina, was unusually personal.
Poll: Most religious Americans believe there are only two genders
By Yonat Shimron — June 8, 2023
(RNS) — Americans’ views of trans people have hardened over the past two years, a new PRRI survey shows.
New Capital Jewish Museum ‘connects the past to the present’ in downtown DC
By Adelle M. Banks — June 2, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The museum will house a collection — rooted in the archive of the former Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington — of more than 24,000 photographs and more than 1,000 objects.
Amid horrific testimonies, Pittsburgh Jews hold each other up
By Yonat Shimron and Kathryn Post — June 2, 2023
PITTSBURGH, (RNS) — The long-awaited trial of Robert Bowers has reopened old wounds and resurfaced painful memories.
Survey: Drop in Eastern European antisemitism may be due to Zelenskyy effect
By Yonat Shimron — May 31, 2023
(RNS) — As arguably the world’s most famous Jew, he may also be contributing to a decline in antisemitic attitudes not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring Poland to the west and Russia to the east.
Jewish organizations laud White House plan to fight antisemitism
By Yonat Shimron — May 25, 2023
(RNS) — The new strategy, the first of its kind, was developed in consultation with some 1,000 federal officials, faith leaders and civil society groups and contains more than 100 recommendations.
In fight against ‘tyranny,’ Michigan board declares itself ‘constitutional county’
By Yonat Shimron — May 24, 2023
(RNS) — In drafting the resolution to become a ‘constitutional county,’ commissioners relied on the writings of a Wisconsin pastor who promotes the idea of resistance to civil authorities.
Former ‘Quiverfull’ church members push the needle on New York’s CARE Act
By Kathryn Post — May 17, 2023
(RNS) — A year after being charged with first-degree sexual abuse of a child, a member of the church has entered a plea deal with no prison sentence.
