Catholicism

Is the consumerist West headed toward killing those with dementia?
By Charles C. Camosy — February 28, 2023
(RNS) — We imagine anyone who needs help to thrive as a ‘burden,’ and thus the compassionate thing to do is end their lives. This is terribly ableist.

A US rabbi bears witness to the trauma in Ukraine one year after Russian invasion
By Yonat Shimron — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — Rabbi Charles Feinberg joined an interfaith delegation that traveled to Kyiv and its surroundings where they saw leveled buildings, displaced people's centers and evidence of human rights abuses and atrocities.

Churches urge Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay execution of Donald Dillbeck
By Alejandra Molina — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — Maria DeLiberato, executive director for Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said it’s been powerful to see the faith community join the cause, particularly Latino evangelical congregations and Catholic churches, as they honor their traditions in protection of life.

It shouldn’t seem so surprising when the pope says being gay ‘isn’t a crime’ – a Catholic theologian explains
By Steven P. Millies — February 23, 2023
(The Conversation) — Catholic leaders’ attitudes toward LGBTQ people have shifted dramatically – but the actual theology behind them, not so much.

Lent is here – remind me what it’s all about? 5 essential reads
By Molly Jackson — February 23, 2023
(The Conversation) — A roundup of The Conversation’s articles about this holy Christian season and its history.

How big Christian nationalism has come courting in North Idaho
By Jack Jenkins — February 22, 2023
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (RNS) — ‘If we put God back in Idaho, then God will always protect Idaho‚ amen?’

New suit alleges San Diego Catholic diocese transferred assets to avoid paying sex abuse claims
By Alejandra Molina — February 22, 2023
(RNS) — ‘They have developed a PR spin on how they’re concerned about victims ... but at the end of the day, it’s all about the money and protecting their assets,’ attorney Irwin Zalkin said of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.

Loyola’s Sister Jean captured hearts during March Madness. Now she’s written a book.
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 21, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — At 103, Chicago’s beloved Catholic sister, best known simply as ‘Sister Jean,’ has added publishing a memoir to her list of achievements.

Suspect arrested in shooting of Los Angeles bishop is housekeeper’s husband
By Alejandra Molina — February 20, 2023
HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. (RNS) — Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell was committed to 'the ordinary person, not the rich Catholic,' said Linda Dakin-Grimm, an immigration attorney who worked with the bishop. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

What does it mean to be holy?
By Thomas Reese — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — It is not easy to be a follower of Jesus. Anyone who thinks it is, is simply not listening to him.

Los Angeles Bishop David O’Connell dies in shooting
By Alejandra Molina — February 19, 2023
Los Angeles (RNS) — Bishop David O’Connell, 69, is known to have ministered to those affected by gang violence and poverty, and he was regarded as a “peacemaker” between rival gangs.

In corruption trial, Vatican Bank chief says his office refused to bail out real estate deal
By Junno Arocho Esteves — February 17, 2023
ROME (RNS) — Jean-Baptiste De Franssu testified that the bank denied a loan for a luxury London property due to concerns about the involvement of two men whose names appeared on a database of individuals involved in financial malfeasance.

Abrahamic Family House ‘changes all the rules’ of interfaith understanding
By Knox Thames — February 17, 2023
(RNS) — The mosque, church and synagogue complex is a shining monument to tolerance.

Finding spirituality on Earth’s ‘most secular’ continent
By Elaine Krebs — February 15, 2023
(Interfaith America) — Looking for God at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

How much do Americans know about the faiths around them?
By Ryan Burge — February 15, 2023
(RNS) — And what helps us most to understand our neighbors’ faiths?