Francis appoints Filipino Cardinal Tagle to key Vatican office
(RNS) — Well-liked and respected at home, the bright and pastorally minded archbishop of Manila has all of the attributes prized by Francis.
Head of Founders Ministries hospitalized
(RNS) — The prominent Baptist conservative is said to be in stable condition after collapsing in front of his congregation on Sunday.
Palestinians in Bethlehem look beyond religious tourism
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — For decades, people in Bethlehem have watched as tour groups spend a few hours at the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and then return to Israel.
SMU sued as it moves to cut ties with United Methodist Church
(RNS) — Southern Methodist University has moved to cut ties with the United Methodist Church after the denomination voted to strengthen rules barring LGBTQ members from marriage and ordination earlier this year.
The Great American Slumbering?
(RNS) — Are we experiencing the opposite of a ‘Great Awakening’ in the US today?
Wheaton summit examines mental health and wellbeing for clergy
(RNS) — A summit for pastors on ‘leadership, burnout and mental health’ comes after the suicide of a prominent church leader and mental health advocate.
In Brazil, historic black lay Catholic 'brotherhoods' fight to survive
(RNS) — After centuries resisting slavery, racism and inequality, dozens of black Catholic lay associations are hopeful that a new network and changes in the Church will extend their history.
Pope Francis wants you to set up a Nativity scene to fight banal consumer Christmas
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — This year’s Christmas display incorporates fallen trees collected from more than 100,000 acres of land ravaged by a severe storm that hit northern Italy last year.
A student’s coming-out video goes viral, reigniting LGBTQ debate at Quaker school
(RNS) — A viral video reveals longstanding clashes between George Fox University students and administrators regarding LGBTQ identities and relationships that intersect with bitter schisms among local Quakers.
Egypt arrests Coptic community rights activist amid heightened surveillance measures
CAIRO (RNS) — Early on Nov. 23, plainclothes police arrived at the home of Ramy Kamel, a tailor and advocate for the Coptic community. Human rights groups have expressed alarm over Kamel's arrest and a renewed crackdown on activists and journalists in Egypt.
Peter Singer on why we don't help the global poor and why we should
(RNS) — 'To live an ethical life it's not enough to refrain from lying, stealing or killing,' says the renowned bioethicist. 'We have to assist people who lack the necessities they need to survive.'
Buffalo bishop resigns under fire for handling of misconduct
NEW YORK (AP) — Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo stepped aside amid mounting calls for his ouster from his staff, priests and public over his handling of allegations of clergy sexual misconduct.
Pope Francis welcomes refugees to a new life in Italy
(RNS) — Pope Francis welcomed more than 30 refugees Wednesday in Rome. The refugees — mostly from Lesbos — will begin a new life in Italy.
Sainthood process for Fulton Sheen stalled
(RNS) — The beatification of late Catholic Archbishop Fulton Sheen was postponed this week, marking the latest setback on the road to sainthood for the beloved television and radio preacher. ...
Surge of new abuse claims threatens church like never before
(AP) — The day the Catholic Church has long feared has come, with 15 states extending or suspending their statute of limitations to allow abuse claims stretching back decades.