Faith
Brazilian evangelical Christians disrupt pre-Lenten partying with ‘Gospel Carnival’
By Eduardo Campos Lima — February 19, 2024
SÃO PAOLO (RNS) — Once content to avoid Carnival's excesses, evangelicals, who make up about 30% of Brazil's population, have a new strategy, working to short-circuit the festival with displays of Christian faith.
Biden sanctions aim to curb Jewish settler attacks. Some Israelis fear a wider impact.
By Michele Chabin — February 19, 2024
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Though some say the sanctions will do little to end attacks by Jewish extremists, others say they may be used against anyone who supports the settlements in the West Bank.
Will the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program crumble?
By Bob Smietana — February 19, 2024
(RNS) — For nearly a century, Southern Baptist churches have banded together to raise funds for mission in the US and around the world, raising more than $20 billion through their Cooperative Program. But the trust that once held the program together is fraying.
How many deaths …?
By Jeffrey Salkin — February 19, 2024
(RNS) — As Marvin Gaye sang: 'War is not the answer.' A new book asks: Is it ever the answer?
Documentary about the murders of 3 Muslims explores religious hatred
By Yonat Shimron — February 19, 2024
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — '36 Seconds' examines the agonizing overnight pivot of the bereaved families as they move from shock over their loved ones' murders to advocacy for a hate crime conviction that never materialized.
A prayer for Evita: Here’s why many Argentines are devoted to a first lady who died in 1952
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — February 19, 2024
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Many union members think of Evita as their patron or gaze at her photos with nostalgia, feeling that she and her husband, three-time President Juan Domingo Perón, brought prosperity to their country.
The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know
By Nicole Winfield — February 19, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — In a new book-length interview titled “Secretum” to be published Tuesday, Pagano divulges some of the unknown, lesser-known and behind-the-scenes details of well-known sagas of the Holy See and its relations with the outside world over the past 12 centuries.
Houston megachurch holds healing and thanksgiving service a week after deadly shooting
By Juan A. Lozano — February 19, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen's Lakewood Church has not had services since the Feb. 11 shooting that sent worshippers scrambling for safety.
New York Archdiocese denounces transgender activist’s funeral held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
By Brian P. D. Hannon — February 19, 2024
(AP) — The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York condemned the funeral of Cecilia Gentili, which was held in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and drew a large audience on Thursday.
African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel
By Adelle M. Banks — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — The statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7.
Freethought Democrats object to Pastor Jack Hibbs as guest chaplain, say he’s Christian nationalist
By Jack Jenkins — February 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I think there is a real problem with our new speaker and his ability to accept religious pluralism, diversity, and inclusion in a way that can work for our country and our diverse Congress,' said Rep. Jared Huffman.
How many Mormons are actually in church every week in the US?
By Jana Riess — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — Cellphone data reveals the number is lower than people self-report (but Mormons do better than most).
‘Black Liturgies’ book offers prayers for Black-centered spiritual liberation
By Kathryn Post — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — Cole Arthur Riley on doubt, embodiment and writing a prayer book to a God she’s not convinced exists.
Trump’s language of evil
By Phyllis Zagano — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — A manner of speaking is infesting our politics that is insulting to both the subject and the listener.
Turkey will stop sending imams to German mosques – here’s why this matters
By Brian Van Wyck — February 16, 2024
(The Conversation) — The Turkish government started sending imams to Germany in the 1980s, but under a new agreement, imams will be trained in Germany instead.
