News

Calvin University to add school of health with $15 million gift

By Yonat Shimron — October 18, 2021

(RNS) — The 145-year-old school already offers a nursing degree and several health-related majors. It will expand on those and offer three new health-related master's degrees by 2022.

Hindus denounce violence amid attacks in Bangladesh

By Julhas Alam — October 18, 2021

In Los Angeles, spiritual convoy urges unity to preserve Apache sacred site Oak Flat

By Alejandra Molina — October 18, 2021

‘Dune’ novels draw on Islamic motifs and have in turn inspired Muslim artists

By Joseph Hammond — October 18, 2021

(RNS) — The original series of 'Dune' novels is heavily influenced by ecology and sociology — as well as imagery from the Islamic world and the Middle East.

Jill Biden celebrates ‘prayer partner’ who reinvigorated her faith

By Jack Jenkins — October 18, 2021

(RNS) — 'When she spoke, it was as if God was saying to me: ‘Okay Jill, you’ve had enough time. It’s time to come home,’' Biden said of prayer partner Robin Jackson.

Nun imprisoned over peace activism, Megan Rice, dies at 91

By Associated Press — October 18, 2021

(AP) — 'I had to do it,' Rice once said of her decision to break the law. 'My guilt is that I waited 70 years to be able to speak what I knew in my conscience.'

Rescuers: Last Jew of Kabul making his way to Israel

By Josef Federman — October 18, 2021

Zebulon Simentov, who lived in a dilapidated synagogue in Kabul, kept kosher, prayed in Hebrew and endured decades of war, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover.

Top Democrats woo Black voters in Virginia governor’s race

By Will Weissert — October 18, 2021

Stacey Abrams urged Black churchgoers to vote for Democrat Terry McAuliffe in next month's election and said that voting is an act of faith.

Christian Aid Ministries says 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

By DÁnica Coto — October 17, 2021

The missionaries have ties to Christian Aid Ministries, which has ties to Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist groups.

The Reformed Church in America moves toward restructuring, prepares for departures

By Kathryn Post — October 17, 2021

(RNS) — The decisions follow decades of debate over LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage.

Photos of the Week: Durga festivals and the cult of Maria Lionza

By Kit Doyle — October 16, 2021

(RNS) - This week’s photo gallery includes Hindu Durga festivals, followers of Maria Lionza in Venezuela and more.

China crackdown on Apple store hits holy book apps, Audible

By Matt O'brien — October 15, 2021

Amazon’s audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, the latest examples of the impact of the country’s tightened rules for internet firms. Audible said Friday that it removed its app from the Apple store in mainland China last […]

Millions wanted to ‘Save Saeed.’ Few wanted to help his abused ex-wife.

By Bob Smietana — October 15, 2021

(RNS) — In a 2016 recording, Franklin Graham is heard pressing an abused spouse to go to counseling with her husband. 'This can be fixed, easy.'

Christian writer Danté Stewart seeks revelation in Black experience

By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 15, 2021

(RNS) — 'Shoutin' in the Fire: An American Epistle' weaves together the stories of Black lives and Black literature with the stories of the Bible.

Raphael Warnock honored with Four Freedoms award in ‘extra step’ for racial justice

By Adelle M. Banks — October 15, 2021

(RNS) — FDR’s granddaughter said of Warnock: ‘his voice is consistently counseling, teaching, making himself vulnerable in order to help the rest of us make sense of the world.’