Christianity
East Palestine church hosts chemical exposure study in wake of train disaster
By Kathryn Post — July 20, 2023
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (RNS) — ‘In the Lord’s prayer, we ask that his will be done on earth as in heaven. So how can we make the situation better?’ asked Erin Haynes, who is leading the study.
Kenya doomsday cult deaths top 400 as detectives exhume 12 more bodies, with the pastor in custody
By Evelyne Musambi — July 20, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Some 613 people have so far been reported missing to Kenya Red Cross officers stationed in Malindi town. Detectives are still finding mass graves.
Crowded GOP field vies for the Christian Zionist vote as Israel’s rightward shift spurs protests
By Tiffany Stanley — July 20, 2023
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Christians United For Israel's annual summit has become a regular stop for Republicans wishing to showcase their pro-Israel and conservative Christian bona fides to the mostly white evangelical audience.
Prosecutor cites risky investments as ‘grave’ violations, in closing of Vatican financial case
By Nicole Winfield — July 20, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi opened two weeks of hearings to summarize his case by accusing officials in the Vatican secretariat of state of committing “grave violations” of internal norms and canon law.
How the pro-religion court rulings may end up hurting conservative Christianity
By Steven Waldman — July 19, 2023
(RNS) — These victories will lead to all sorts of activists making religious liberty claims to advance their goals, and they won’t always be conservative.
White Texas couple leads ‘Let’s Talk Race’ class to educate churchgoers
By Adelle M. Banks — July 19, 2023
(RNS) — Shelley and David Park recommend books, movies, videos, podcasts and people to follow on social media to ‘expand your echo chamber.’
Rare Einstein letter rebutting biblical creation story for sale
By Richa Karmarkar — July 19, 2023
(RNS) — The letter, written on April 11, 1950, to a group of Jewish students in America, is valued at $125,000.
Cardinal says the pope’s visit to Mongolia’s tiny Catholic community will show his dedication
By Nicole Winfield — July 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis’ Aug. 31-Sept. 4 visit will take him to a country sandwiched between China and Russia at a time of Vatican tensions with both
Biden to meet with pope’s Ukraine peace envoy, with the plight of children top of cardinal’s agenda
By Nicole Winfield and Zeke Miller — July 19, 2023
ROME (AP) — White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden would meet with Zuppi on Tuesday to “discuss the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine."
Pioneering Christian broadcaster Stuart Epperson dies
By Yonat Shimron — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — Epperson and his brother-in-law, Edward Atsinger, built Salem into a radio powerhouse that became a key communication channel for the religious right and a mainstay of the Republican Party.
‘The Chosen’ resumes filming after strike threatened to stall Season 4
By Kathryn Post — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — The hit show agreed to be retroactively obligated to the contract terms that will be agreed upon between AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA when the strike ends.
77 faith groups get total of $92 million for innovative faith programs for children
By Adelle M. Banks — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Whether it's fragmentation, technological advances or spirituality, we need to refresh the traditional approaches to our faith,’ said one grant recipient.
The King’s College makes deep cuts to faculty, cancels fall classes
By Meagan Saliashvili — July 17, 2023
NEW YORK (RNS) — Operating on thin margins and depending on deep-pocketed conservative Christian donors, the school has been in turmoil since a partnership with a Canadian education investment company, Primacorp Ventures, failed to change its fortunes.
Jesse Jackson transfers presidency of Rainbow PUSH Coalition to Frederick Haynes III
By Adelle M. Banks — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I will still be very involved in the organization and am proud that we have chosen Rev. Dr. Haynes as my successor,’ Jackson said.
Religion shapes vaccine views – but how exactly? Our analysis looks at ideas about God and beliefs about the Bible
By Bernard DiGregorio, Christopher P. Scheitle, and Katie Corcoran — July 17, 2023
(The Conversation) — Specific beliefs may have more to do with people’s vaccine views than their religious affiliation – but it depends on which vaccine you’re talking about.
