India's goddesses of contagion provide protection in the pandemic
(RNS) — Collectively known as the Divine Mother, the goddesses of contagion act as “celestial epidemiologists” curing illness. But if angered they can also inflict disease.
Weekend Plug-in: June 5, 2020
(RNS) — Analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith this week.
Near Boston, a Friendly’s-turned-Hindu temple serves holy offerings to go
BOSTON (RNS) — The Hindu temple has been using its ice cream takeout window, left over from the facility's past life as a Friendly's restaurant, to serve socially distant holy food offerings.
Pandemic leads churches to celebrate motherhood creatively this Sunday
(RNS) — In the wake of COVID-19, houses of worship are finding creative ways to honor motherhood this Sunday at a time when many churches cannot yet publicly gather.
National Day of Prayer, reshaped by pandemic, includes interfaith and online events
(RNS) — In its 69th year, the observance — often predominated by evangelical Christians gathering in public places — will feature interfaith and even international voices on computer screens and cellphones.
In India, pandemic turns political opposition group into COVID-19 help line
(RNS) — By providing basic information and monitoring the government’s performance in fighting the pandemic, the Lockdown Helpline is holding the authorities accountable.
With Nepal in lockdown, volunteers feed hungry animals at Hindu shrine
(RNS) — At the country’s most revered Hindu temple, a dozen staffers and some volunteers take up the job of feeding monkeys and pigs that are normally fed by devotees.
Virus lockdown changes how Hindus celebrate holy period
LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Hindus around the world are in the midst of a nine-day period called Chaitra Navaratri that began with what for many is considered the Hindu New Year.
Baptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga
(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.
Can someone be a Hindu by culture and a Christian by faith at the same time?
(RNS) — Christian Hindus do not live in contradiction between two different identities. Rather, they embrace the truth that is found in the person of Jesus Christ while holding on to their vibrant Hindu culture.
Biden faces backlash over pro-Modi staffer’s close Hindu nationalist ties
(RNS) — Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign is facing growing pressure from civil rights advocates over the campaign’s choice of Muslim outreach coordinator.
‘We are reclaiming Holi’: College students protest Hindu nationalism with a blackout Holi
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (RNS) — At 21 university campuses across the country, Hindu students have organized a nationwide campaign called Holi Against Hindutva, held in solidarity with anti-government protesters in India.
Citizenship laws threaten India’s Muslims, hurt minorities elsewhere, panel says
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘The fear of losing citizenship is genuine,’ said Aman Wadud, who defends accused illegal migrants and detainees in the northeastern state of Assam.
Death toll rises to 22 from Delhi riots during Trump trip
NEW DELHI (AP) — At least 22 people were killed and 189 injured in three days of clashes in New Delhi that coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's first state visit to India, with the death toll expected to rise as hospitals continue to take in the wounded, authorities said Wednesday.
What Trump should have told India's Modi this week
(RNS) — President Trump has made freedom of religion a focus of his administration. In his India visit, he may find that India’s religious minorities have their own stories to tell about an increasingly hostile environment, if he will only listen.