Leaders & Institutions
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.
Head of China’s state-backed Catholic church will visit Hong Kong as ties with Vatican are strained
By Kanis Leung — November 6, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Joseph Li, the state-appointed archbishop of Beijing, will take a five-day trip to Hong Kong starting Nov. 14 at the invitation of the city’s newly appointed cardinal Stephen Chow
The White House is working on a strategy to combat Islamophobia. Many Muslim Americans are skeptical
By Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller, and Seung Min Kim — November 3, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The new initiative is expected to take months to formalize, following a similar process to the plan to counter antisemitism.
Pope presses theologians to be in tune with challenges of daily life and talk with non-believers
By Frances D'emilio — November 1, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis said that theologians must “confront themselves with profound cultural transformations.”
US Jews fracture over support for Israeli retaliation
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — October 26, 2023
(RNS) — Pro-Israel groups have denounced left-leaning Jews, accusing them of being antisemitic and not really Jewish.
