Leaders & Institutions
Franklin Graham tours devastation in Israel, commits to helping rebuild
By Yonat Shimron — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — Israel has been the beneficiary of millions of dollars from Christian charities and a flood of volunteers. Samaritan's Purse is among them.
Art Simon, founder of Christian anti-hunger group Bread for the World, dies at 93
By Adelle M. Banks and Bob Smietana — November 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We can be accidental accomplices in keeping people poor,’ TV travel host Rick Steves said he learned from Simon.
Elie Wiesel-inspired fellowship models peace building amid Israel-Hamas War
By Kathryn Post — November 17, 2023
(RNS) — 'We are all facing a choice right now, with peers and colleagues and friends: will we lean in or will we lean out?' Ariel Burger, founder of The Witness Institute, told RNS.
Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic cardinal says he dreams of bishops from greater China praying together
By Kanis Leung — November 17, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Joseph Li's arrival in Hong Kong on Monday at the invitation of cardinal Stephen Chow marked the first-ever official visit by a Beijing bishop to the city.
Bishop T.D. Jakes helps launch online hub to aid faith leaders with mental health tools
By Adelle M. Banks — November 15, 2023
(RNS) — Jakes introduced the ‘Faith and Mental Health Hub,’ a free online course that aims to define mental health, reduce stigma and encourage self-care activities.
In bipartisan March for Israel, crowd rejects cease-fire, demands release of hostages
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 14, 2023
(RNS) — The march was intended as a response to numerous demonstrations across the country and the world — some led by Jews — calling for an end to Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza.
The head of China’s state-backed Catholic church begins historic trip to Hong Kong
By Kanis Leung — November 14, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Experts said the invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican.
More than 180,000 people across France march against soaring antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war
By Barbara Surk and Sylvie Corbet — November 13, 2023
PARIS (AP) — France has the largest Jewish population in Europe, but given its own World War II collaboration with the Nazis, antisemitic acts today open old scars.
Pope Francis removes a leading US conservative critic as bishop of Tyler, Texas
By Nicole Winfield — November 11, 2023
ROME (AP) — Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.”
US Jews plan historic March for Israel at National Mall Tuesday
By Yonat Shimron — November 10, 2023
(RNS) — It comes on the heels of numerous demonstrations across the country — some led by Jews — calling for an end to Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza.
Pope Francis to join other clergy at first ‘Faith Pavilion’ at climate summit
By Adelle M. Banks — November 9, 2023
(RNS) — ‘This demonstrates the significance of the interfaith movement in helping to tackle the climate emergency,’ said one faith leader about the pavilion.
Court cites clergy-penitent privilege in dismissing child sex abuse lawsuit against LDS church
By Michael Rezendes and Jason Dearen — November 9, 2023
(AP) — The investigation last year highlighted the use of a church Helpline used by bishops to report instances of child sex abuse to church officials in Salt Lake City.
American Baptist Churches USA to be led by Rev. Gina Jacobs-Strain
By Fiona André — November 7, 2023
(RNS) — ABCUSA’s new leader stands out, as only 13% of ABCUSA churches are pastored by women, and 86% of women in Baptist churches still report facing obstacles in their ministry because of their gender.
Brandeis University bans campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine
By Yonat Shimron — November 7, 2023
(RNS) — The university notified the student group on Monday (Nov. 6) that it will no longer recognize the group ‘because it openly supports Hamas, which the United States has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.’
Young people define ‘sacred moments’ broadly: From God to nature to relationships
By Adelle M. Banks — November 7, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Inviting young people beyond the traditional and typical provides room for them to experience something beyond the ordinary,’ a Springtide Research Institute report states.
