Faith

As Reform Jews investigate themselves, a reckoning over sexual abuse grows

By Yonat Shimron — October 15, 2021

(RNS) — Multiple investigations, which will look at both historic and more recent instances of sex abuse, signal a desire for a new level of ethical accountability on sexual misconduct and gender discrimination.

There are no opposing views of the Holocaust

By Jeffrey Salkin — October 15, 2021

(RNS) — What is wrong with these people in Southlake, Texas?

Ronnie Floyd, SBC Executive Committee chief, resigns, citing damage to his reputation

By Bob Smietana — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — Floyd’s plans to unite Southern Baptists around evangelism and missions were overshadowed by controversy.

White Christian progressives can be nationalists too, ecumenical panel says

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Liberal Christians are just as complicit with white nationalism that the Trumpites were that we saw on Jan. 6,’ a speaker said.

Border dispatches: Mayor says local crime rate hides citizens’ values

By Doug Pagitt — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — A 3,200-mile bike ride along the U.S.-Mexico border to see what America’s immigration policy looks like in action.

Is God good for America? Depends whom you ask.

By Ryan Burge — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — Most Americans see religion as good for society. Those on the extremes disagree.

It’s official: Rumored October meeting between Biden and Pope Francis is confirmed

By Jack Jenkins — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — It won’t be the first time the two have met, but it will be the first since Biden became president.

National Council of Churches elects all-female officers, approves NRSV update

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — ‘At this pivotal time in the life of the church in the United States, it is noteworthy that the NCC is modeling inclusiveness in selecting its leaders,’ said its new chair.

In remote Himalayan India, Buddhist monks and Indigenous tribe fight government hydropower projects

By Priyadarshini Sen — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — The Buddhist monks have united with the nomadic Monpa to protest projects that could destroy the monasteries, hot springs and temples that dot the snow-capped Himalayan region.

Airman convicted of kidnapping, killing Mennonite teacher

By Felicia Fonseca — October 14, 2021

On Wednesday, a jury in Arizona found U.S. Air Force airman Mark Gooch guilty of kidnapping and first-degree murder in Sasha Krause’s killing.

Study: Attendance hemorrhaging at small and midsize US congregations

By Yonat Shimron — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — The Faith Communities Today survey finds that half of the country’s congregations had 65 or fewer people in attendance on any given weekend, a drop from a median attendance level of 137 people in 2000.

Menlo Church investigation finds no direct evidence or disclosures of sexual abuse

By Bob Smietana — October 13, 2021

(RNS) — A long-expected report found no evidence of abuse at a San Francisco megachurch but did fault leaders for their lack of transparency.

Young Hindus get creative with home temples in cramped apartments

By Nidhi Upadhyaya — October 13, 2021

(RNS) — Despite space and time restrictions, Indians who have migrated to the U.S. find ways to stay close to their roots.

‘Cosplay Christianity’: The sin is in the denial of the life God calls us to

By Karen Swallow Prior — October 13, 2021

(RNS) — Sometimes it’s as deadly serious (and ironic) as a riot in which grown men in costumes channel William Wallace in ‘Braveheart’ crying ‘Freedom!’ while attacking the seat of democracy.