Christianity
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.
Francis now has the cardinals he needs for the next conclave. Is it enough?
By Thomas Reese — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — The College of Cardinals has never been so diverse — or unpredictable.
Mississippi, under judge’s order, starts allowing religious exemptions for childhood vaccinations
By Emily Wagster Pettus — July 17, 2023
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — His ruling came in a lawsuit filed last year by several parents who said their religious beliefs have led them to keep their children unvaccinated and out of Mississippi schools.
The Rev. Steve Pieters, who changed minds about AIDS, dies at 70
By Riley Farrell — July 14, 2023
(RNS) — His vanguard interview with Tammy Faye Messner (Bakker at the time) aired in an era when fear and false information about HIV/AIDS ran rampant in conservative Christian communities.
Vacation Bible School for Mormons could, and probably should, become a thing
By Jana Riess — July 14, 2023
(RNS) — There are few better uses of our time and money in the Church than ramping up our investment in children and youth.
Russian lawmakers move to further restrict transgender rights in new legislation
By Dasha Litvinova — July 14, 2023
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — There is little doubt that the bill, a crippling blow to Russia's oppressed LGBTQ+ community, will be adopted amid the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's “traditional values.”
