Law & Court
Vatican says they’re gifts; Indigenous groups want them back
By Nicole Winfield — July 21, 2022
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Indigenous groups from Canada, who were shown a few items in the collection when they traveled to the Vatican last spring to meet with Francis, question how some of the works were actually acquired and wonder what else may be in storage after decades of not being on public display.
UN slams killings, rights abuses under Afghanistan’s Taliban
By Rahim Faiez — July 21, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The report said as many as 700 people have been killed and 1,400 wounded since mid-August 2021, when the Taliban overran the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Religious liberty has a long and messy history – and there is a reason Americans feel strongly about it
By James Hudnut-Beumler and James P. Byrd — July 19, 2022
(The Conversation) — Historians of American religious history explain why the Supreme Court’s recent religious liberty rulings are an example of America’s long struggle to define religious freedom.
Parent sues Australian cardinal over child sex abuse charge
By Associated Press — July 14, 2022
(AP) — Both boys were 13 years old at the time.
Some Muslims, Jews welcome court ruling allowing football coach to pray
By Yonat Shimron — July 8, 2022
(RNS) — Some minority faith leaders are wondering if government neutrality on religion is such a good thing.
There is no one Islamic interpretation on ethics of abortion, but the belief in God’s mercy and compassion is a crucial part of any consideration
By Zahra Ayubi — July 8, 2022
(The Conversation) — Islamic views on abortion are based on diverse interpretations of what’s right and wrong when it comes to the body.
Judges dismiss Jewish couple’s suit alleging adoption bias
By Jonathan Mattise — July 5, 2022
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Americans United for Separation of Church & State, which filed the lawsuit in January on the couple's behalf, plans to appeal the ruling.
There’s no ignoring the Supreme Court’s motivations in ruling against the EPA
By Susan Hendershot — July 1, 2022
(RNS) — SCOTUS is showing a blatant disregard not only for those it supposedly serves, but also for God’s beautiful creation.
Anti-Roe justices a part of Catholicism’s conservative wing
By Peter Smith — July 1, 2022
The Supreme Court was dominated by Protestant justices for much of its history. The majority have been Catholic since the 1990s, and for several years in the last decade, the court had six Catholic justices, three Jews and no Protestants.
America’s religious communities are divided over the issue of abortion: 5 essential reads
By Kalpana Jain — June 29, 2022
(The Conversation) — Scholars explain why many see abortion access as a religious freedom issue and what the views of different faiths are on ‘ensoulment,’ the point at which the soul is believed to enter the fetus.
Teacher-led prayer is back in the public schools
By Mark Silk — June 28, 2022
(RNS) — At least, on the playing field.
Why the Supreme Court’s football decision is a game-changer on school prayer
By Charles J. Russo — June 28, 2022
(The Conversation) — Kennedy v. Bremerton, a case about a public school teacher’s prayer, helps close out a Supreme Court term in which religion was often in the spotlight.
After Roe’s demise, clergy lead faithful in praise, laments
By David Crary and Holly Meyer — June 27, 2022
(AP) — Views on abortions are not just polarizing within denominations; the divisions span the religious landscape.
Florida judge hears arguments on state’s new abortion law
By Anthony Izaguirre — June 27, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Planned Parenthood is among those seeking a temporary emergency injunction to stop the law. A Florida synagogue also sued.
Supreme Court backs coach in praying on field after games
By Jessica Gresko — June 27, 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — The case forced the justices to wrestle with how to balance the religious and free speech rights of teachers and coaches with the rights of students not to feel pressured into participating in religious practices.
