Doctrine & Practice
What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — January 3, 2024
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but also puts their lives in danger.
Native Hawaiian salt makers combat climate change and pollution to protect a sacred tradition
By Deepa Bharath — January 3, 2024
HANAPEPE, Hawaii (AP) — Over the past decade, this tract has been under constant threat due to development, pollution from a neighboring airfield, sand erosion from vehicle traffic and littering by visitors to the adjacent beach.
Revitalization of India’s ancient sacred city of Varanasi leaves some longtime visitors cold
By Richa Karmarkar — December 22, 2023
VARANASI, India (RNS) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to revitalize the city's historic sacred sites have increased domestic religious tourism, but for some foreign spiritual seekers, the shiny new hotels, landmarks and tourist-centered rituals have made the experience of visiting a hollow one.
Greek government says it stands by same-sex marriage pledge even after opposition from the Church
By Derek Gatopoulos — December 22, 2023
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The legislation would be brought to parliament during the house's current term, which ends in 2027, said government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis.
Shaul Magid on reviving Jewish exile as a counterweight to Zionism
By Yonat Shimron — December 21, 2023
(RNS) — In a new book, the Dartmouth scholar argues exile can be seen as an equally positive and constructive Jewish identity.
New date, same traditions: Ukraine’s wartime Christmas celebrations
By Iryna Voloshyna — December 21, 2023
(The Conversation) — An expert on Ukrainian music and folklore explains how holiday traditions celebrate both centuries of culture and present-day resistance.
As Russia ramps up ‘traditional values’ rhetoric − especially against LGBTQ+ groups − it’s won Putin far-right fans abroad
By Sarah Riccardi-Swartz — December 21, 2023
(The Conversation) — Far-right American Christians once viewed Soviet culture as a menace to their values. Today, some authoritarian-leaning admirers wish their country were more like Putin’s Russia.
Pope Francis’ approval of blessings for LGBTQ+ couples is a historic gesture, according to a Catholic theologian
By Steven P. Millies — December 20, 2023
(The Conversation) — In emphasizing the church’s love for all, including people in LGBTQ+ relationships, the pope has sidestepped thorny doctrinal issues.
Convent-made delicacies, a Christmas favorite, help monks and nuns win fans and pay the bills
By Giovanna Dell'orto and MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — December 19, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Most nuns and monks involved in preparing the delicacies are quick to point out that their main mission is to pray, not to cook — and that doing both involves finding a delicate balance.
How a remnant group of United Methodists is making a new church home
By Yonat Shimron — December 18, 2023
ADVANCE, N.C. (RNS) — Here, in the middle of a bland industrial park that looks like a self-storage facility, a new church is emerging.
Yule – a celebration of the return of light and warmth
By Helen A. Berger — December 8, 2023
(The Conversation) — Yule, celebrated by Wiccans and many other Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere on Dec. 21, the day of the winter solstice, is a time for reflection.
What is Bodhi Day? And when do Buddhists celebrate it?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 8, 2023
(AP) — Also called Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, it commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening some 2,600 years ago, becoming the Buddha.
How to celebrate an ancient victory in the midst of a war that’s not over
By Brad Hirschfield — December 7, 2023
(RNS) — One solution lies in perhaps the best-known part of the Hanukkah story — the miracle of the oil.
Study: Most Americans are spiritual but a growing number say they are not religious
By Yonat Shimron — December 7, 2023
(RNS) — Among the spiritual but not religious, 38% say religion does more harm than good, while just 7% of religious Americans share this view.
Indiana’s appeals court hears arguments challenging abortion ban under a state religious freedom law
By Isabella Volmert — December 7, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The lawsuit argues the ban violates Jewish teachings that “a fetus attains the status of a living person only at birth."
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