Christianity
Vatican seeks to tamp down outrage over pope’s words of praise for Russian imperial past
By Nicole Winfield — August 29, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican spokesman said Francis merely wanted to praise the positive aspects of Russia’s spiritual and cultural history when he exalted Russia’s imperial rulers Peter and Catherine the Great.
Pope says some ‘backward’ conservatives in US Catholic Church have replaced faith with ideology
By Associated Press — August 29, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives.
White Christians think too many people see racism when it’s not there, new survey finds
By Bob Smietana — August 28, 2023
(RNS) — A new survey from Pew Research revealed once again how deeply divided religious Americans are when it comes to matters of race.
What Mormons can learn from Twitter — I mean X
By Jana Riess — August 28, 2023
(RNS) — If you’re still calling X 'Twitter,' don’t send me hate mail about saying 'Mormon.'
With fewer than 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia, Pope Francis’ upcoming visit brings attention to the long and complex history of the minority religious group
By Huaiyu Chen — August 28, 2023
(The Conversation) — The Catholic community that Pope Francis will visit later this month has a complex history that goes back to the 13th century, when the Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan.
Florida’s new curriculum echoes the paternalist theology of the Lost Cause
By Elizabeth Jemison — August 28, 2023
(RNS) — The doctrine that touts slavery's 'benefits' for its victims was once used to sanctify segregation.
Thousands gather for March on Washington’s 60th anniversary
By Jack Jenkins — August 26, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King talked about a dream,' said the Rev. Al Sharpton, referring to King’s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. 'Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers — the problem is we're facing the schemers.'
The radical, irreverent and inclusive religion of Burning Man
By Kathryn Post — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — 'Perhaps our presence can give people the sense that religion doesn’t need to be as judgmental or scary or exclusionary as they might experience it,' said John Brett, who helps lead the Religious AF camp at Burning Man.
Federal judge denies religious parents’ request to opt kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons
By Fiona André — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — The year-long battle between MCPS and the families is not over yet, as the judge still needs to hear the full case before making a final decision.
Harvard Divinity School selects first Black woman as dean
By Yonat Shimron — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — Marla Frederick, a professor of religion and culture at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, will succeed David Hempton, who has served as dean since 2012.
ReAwaken America is back. So is the right wing roadshow’s antisemitic rant.
By Nathan Empsall — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — The potential for violence might be ReAwaken America’s biggest threat.
A retired Wyoming bishop cleared by Vatican of sexual abuse despite local findings has died at 91
By Associated Press — August 25, 2023
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared him of seven accusations of abuse and determined that five others couldn't be proven with certainty.
Civil case over Cardinal Pell abuse allegations allowed to proceed against church in Australia
By Rod Mcguirk — August 25, 2023
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian court on Friday allowed a civil case to proceed against a Catholic archdiocese involving child sex abuse allegations against late Cardinal George Pell.
Esau McCaulley remembers his past, dreams of the Promised Land in new book
By Bob Smietana — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — In a vulnerable and inspiring new book due out in September, the New Testament scholar and writer recounts the story of his father's fall from grace and his long journey home.
An online assembly attempts to correct March on Washington gender gap
By Yonat Shimron — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — None of the speeches at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom were delivered by women. The “She Speaks” online assembly is intended to lift up the voices of women fighting for racial justice.
