Health & Lifestyle
Documentary on Robert Putnam urges Americans to ‘Join or Die’
By Yonat Shimron — March 2, 2023
(RNS) — In their new documentary, filmmakers Pete and Rebecca Davis suggest joining a club — or a religious congregation — may be the key to the nation’s democratic renewal.
For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling
By Yonat Shimron — March 1, 2023
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — While donations from religious groups constitute less than 20% of RIP Medical Debt's overall revenue, they are becoming an increasingly common way for congregations to do social justice.
Mormonism’s slow shift away from demonizing working mothers
By Jana Riess — March 1, 2023
(RNS) — The LDS church used to vilify working mothers. Then it began to quietly tolerate them. Now it has begun to celebrate their achievements.
Is the consumerist West headed toward killing those with dementia?
By Charles C. Camosy — February 28, 2023
(RNS) — We imagine anyone who needs help to thrive as a ‘burden,’ and thus the compassionate thing to do is end their lives. This is terribly ableist.
Could churches be prime locations for EV charging stations? One company thinks so.
By Amethyst Holmes — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — Churches, with their large parking lots that often sit empty during the week, could help provide a solution to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging stations.
A prayer for Bruce Willis
By Jeffrey Salkin — February 21, 2023
(RNS) — The famous actor is on a journey. Many of us know the GPS.
Chaplains offer more than prayers: New study confirms impact on ICU families
By Kathryn Post — February 15, 2023
(RNS) — One research chaplain called the new data ‘a V8 engine for the kind of work we do.’
Chronicling Los Angeles’ iconic Virgin of Guadalupe street art
By Alejandra Molina — February 10, 2023
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — 'Whenever you see a virgencita you feel safe. You know that your people, your gente, your raza are around,' said Oscar Rodriguez Zapata.
California senator announces bill to protect religious practices of incarcerated individuals
By Alejandra Molina — February 6, 2023
(RNS) — Backers of the bill say that allowing religious detainees and prisoners to wear religious garb does not constitute 'coddling' them.
Is cultured meat the kosher way to go?
By Mark Silk — February 6, 2023
And if we have cultured beef, is the real thing eco-kosher?
Psychedelic churches in US pushing boundaries of religion
By Michael Casey — February 6, 2023
HILDALE, Utah (AP) — “In every major city in the United States, every weekend, there’s multiple ayahuasca ceremonies,” said a lawyer who specializes in psychedelic law.
New effort surveys Sikh students about bullying and school climate in the US
By Alejandra Molina — February 3, 2023
(RNS) — 'There is a gap between the lived experiences of Sikh kids and what teachers, administrators and policymakers understand,' said Rucha Kaur, community development director for the Sikh Coalition.
Buying Starbucks with gold? A halal investing app is making it possible.
By Kathryn Post — February 3, 2023
(RNS) — Wahed, an Islamic fintech company launched in 2017, now offers brick-and-mortar banks and gold-backed debit cards.
A solemn Buddhist ceremony offers comfort, healing at site of Monterey Park shooting
By Alejandra Molina — February 1, 2023
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (RNS) — ‘If we take hatred for hatred, we will never have peace of mind,’ said the Venerable Chang Ju. ‘We need the wisdom to overcome all this.’
Black women are forced to mourn in public long before they’ve processed privately
By Jennifer R. Farmer — February 1, 2023
(RNS) — Society asks Black women to share their grief as the world looks on.