Christianity
New crop of cardinals shows Francis’ push for dialogue, whatever the cost
By Claire Giangravé — September 28, 2023
(RNS) — From the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to relations with China and Russia, Pope Francis has made dialogue a key theme of his pontificate, a principle reflected in his latest crop of new cardinals.
South Sudanese refugees, fleeing a second civil war in Sudan, return home to bleak prospects
By Tonny Onyulo — September 28, 2023
MALAKAL, South Sudan (RNS) — The situation has prompted religious leaders in South Sudan to appeal to the international community to aid returning refugees.
The Vatican’s ‘Synod on Synodality’ is about to begin. Here’s what to know.
By Claire Giangravé — September 27, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The unprecedented gathering of 464 Catholic clergy and laypeople, including women, begins Oct. 4 at the Vatican.
Spokane City Council denounces mayor for appearance with Christian nationalists
By Cassy Benefield — September 27, 2023
SPOKANE, Wash. (FāVS News) — Local religious leaders were troubled by Sean Feucht’s Christian nationalist ties. But it was the mayor’s appearance on stage praying with former lawmaker Matt Shea that took up more space in the city council’s resolution.
AME Bishop Silvester Beaman named chair of White House council on African engagement
By Adelle M. Banks — September 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Bishop Beaman’s extensive experience and deep roots in Africa will enable him to lead the Council to achieve its full potential,’ the White House said.
Religious liberty is becoming a go-to right for everyone
By Mark Silk — September 27, 2023
(RNS) — A legal strategy pioneered by the right has been adopted by the left.
The secret synod
By Phyllis Zagano — September 27, 2023
(RNS) — Too many U.S. Catholics don’t know about the global discussion of the church’s future.
Less-redacted report on Maryland church abuse still redacts names of church leaders
By Brian Witte and Lea Skene — September 27, 2023
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Maryland Attorney General’s Office said in a statement last month that the five officials whose names remain redacted “had extensive participation in the Archdiocese’s handling of abuser clergy and reports of child abuse.”
Faith-based resettlement orgs celebrate moves to maintain refugee cap
By Jack Jenkins — September 26, 2023
(RNS) — The groups celebrated keeping the ceiling at 125,000 but noted the administration has yet to come close to meeting that ceiling.
When it comes to preventing abuse, are all churches equal?
By Kathryn Post — September 26, 2023
(RNS) — As an Anglican bishop faces a church trial for allegedly minimizing abuse and misconduct, observers are wondering: Could this have happened anywhere?
Wallace B. Smith, great-grandson of Joseph Smith and pioneer for women’s ordination, dies at 94
By Jana Riess — September 26, 2023
(RNS) — The leadership of Wallace B. Smith, who headed the RLDS movement from 1978 to 1994, was a game changer.
Greek court: Orthodox students cannot be exempted from religion classes
By David I. Klein — September 26, 2023
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Even exemptions in which non-Orthodox Christian students state their beliefs, the Greek Council of State ruled, did not violate human rights or European Union privacy laws.
Sex abuse allegations against a deceased cardinal add to the German church’s troubles
By Geir Moulson — September 26, 2023
(AP) — In 2018, a church-commissioned report concluded that at least 3,677 people were abused by clergy in Germany between 1946 and 2014. More than half of the victims were 13 or younger, and nearly a third served as altar boys.
Few persecuted Christians find refuge in US, new report finds
By Bob Smietana — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — A new reports finds that the number of Christian refugees coming to the US has declined at a time when persecution is on the rise.
We are defeating global poverty. Congress could set us back.
By David Beckmann — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — Far-right Republicans are insisting on deep cuts in domestic and international poverty programs — though we have ample evidence both are working.
