Faith
The opening of India’s new Rama temple made waves – but here’s what the central ritual actually meant
By Vasudha Narayanan — January 31, 2024
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Hinduism explains the importance of the consecration ritual, which is believed to bring the presence of the divine into the temple.
Pope Francis says ‘everyone will calm down’ about same-sex blessings
By Claire Giangravé — January 30, 2024
(RNS) — The declaration allowing the blessing of same-sex couples 'wishes to include, not divide,' the pope said.
In new book, Tim Alberta sees another way for evangelical Christians in politics
By Mark Silk — January 30, 2024
(RNS) — His new book summons fellow evangelicals to reclaim their faith.
Historic sermon by Gina Stewart at joint Black Baptist meeting draws cheers, controversy
By Adelle M. Banks — January 30, 2024
(RNS) — After many in the room cheered her on and stood as she preached, the session featuring her sermon temporarily disappeared from the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc.’s Facebook page.
The Catholic Church needs to play a positive role in this year’s election
By Thomas Reese — January 30, 2024
(RNS) — The Catholic partisan divide provides an opportunity for the church to model proper civic behavior.
Church of England leader says a plan to send migrants to Rwanda undermines the UK’s global standing
By Jill Lawless — January 30, 2024
LONDON (AP) — If approved by Parliament, the law will allow the government to “disapply” sections of U.K. human rights law when it comes to Rwanda-related asylum claims and make it harder to challenge the deportations in court.
Israel’s president says the UN world court misrepresented his comments in its genocide ruling
By Associated Press — January 30, 2024
JERUSALEM (AP) — The court's ruling on Friday cited a series of statements made by Israeli leaders as evidence of incitement and dehumanizing language against Palestinians.
Franklin Graham’s border tour draws 20,000 signers demanding its cancelation
By Yonat Shimron — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — Critics are calling the 10-city tour 'hypocritical' and denouncing what they say are Graham's 'anti-immigrant' views.
After menu is deemed antisemitic, eatery throws Shabbat dinner for Jewish neighbors
By Fiona André — January 29, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — Palestinian restaurateurs tried to set the record straight after cheekily naming seafood section of the menu 'From the River to the Sea.'
Massachusetts man threatened to kill Jews as antisemitic incidents rise
By Yonat Shimron — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — The 59-year-old Massachusetts man is alleged to have called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, and left a voicemail threatening to kill Jews.
Judges say lawsuit against CBN pastor Brad Jurkovich, a Mike Johnson ally, should go forward
By Bob Smietana — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — Former church members allege that Jurkovich and other church leaders illegally changed the church's articles of incorporation to require unquestioned loyalty to the pastor.
Terror attack strikes Istanbul Catholic church known for its welcome
By David I. Klein — January 29, 2024
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Two gunmen shot and killed a member of a minority Muslim sect who was among a diverse congregation. Though Sunday’s attack came as a shock to many of Istanbul's Catholics, it's not without precedent.
We can have secure borders without denying those fleeing persecution
By Jamie Ivey and Briana Stensrud — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — Restricting access to asylum shouldn't be part of serious immigration reform.
Yes, Biden and Trump are old. Jewish teaching says that can be a good thing.
By Avi Shafran — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — Look what happened when Judean King Rehoboam shunned the advice of the court elders.
How many Holocaust memorial days do we need?
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 29, 2024
(RNS) — There are three different days for remembering the Holocaust. Each one has a different message. Which message do we need today?
