News

As COVID-19 rages in Brazil, sisters in the Amazon fight hunger and isolation
Distributing food and aiding those afflicted by unemployment, hunger and despair, the religious women working in Brazil’s Amazonas state have been a driving force in coping with the pandemic.

Pope Francis dismisses ‘heresy’ charges for his commitment to Christian-Muslim dialogue

High court revives ex-student’s suit on religious literature

‘You are not alone!’ Pope makes final appeal to Iraqi Christian community
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On his last full day in Iraq, Francis told Christians to forgive their oppressors, the better to put their energy toward restoring their country.

At ancient city of Ur, Pope Francis makes heartfelt appeal for fraternity of faiths
(RNS) — Earlier on Saturday, Pope Francis had a historic meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the Iraqi Shiite leader.

Photos of the Week: Francis in Iraq, unrest in Myanmar
(RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s photo gallery includes the first papal visit to Iraq, more unrest in Myanmar following the military coup and more. Add to Favorite Articles

As genocide designation becomes a political football, Uyghur activists push for action
(RNS) — Advocates for the Uyghurs say they expect the Biden administration to proceed on the understanding that China’s actions amount to genocide.

Black Protestants aren’t least likely to get a vaccine; white evangelicals are
(RNS) — A new survey by Pew Research shows that 64% of Black Protestants ‘definitely or probably’ plan to get vaccinated, compared to 54% of white evangelicals.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine creates a week of confusion for Catholics
(RNS) — An attempt to clear up confusion about the moral acceptability of the vaccine only created further uncertainty.

Why Oak Flat in Arizona is a sacred space for the Apache and other Native Americans
SUPERIOR, Ariz. (RNS) — The Apache believe Oak Flat is a ‘blessed place’ where Ga’an — guardians or messengers between the people and Usen, Creator God — dwell. The site is at risk of being turned over to an Australian mining company.

Dave Ramsey’s new crusade: Ending COVID-19 mask orders
(RNS) — Dave Ramsey, the Christian financial guru, has long been a skeptic of COVID-19 restrictions, saying that he and his company will not be ruled by fear.

Women of different faiths find ‘seat at the table’ co-hosting ‘Sister Act’ podcast
(RNS) — ‘Being female faith leaders, we are not always given the stage,’ said the podcast’s founder.

On first day in Iraq, Pope Francis pays tribute to Christian martyrs
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Visiting the Assyrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, Francis rallied Iraqis in the face of the challenges of the pandemic and the ravages of war and terrorism over the past two decades.

How Catholicism became a breeding ground for conspiracy theories
(RNS) — A perfect storm of institutional crises, the polarization of perceived winners and losers and an influx of evangelicals has made Catholicism fertile ground for conspiracy theories.

Muslim candidate for Manhattan DA runs to give victims of system a ‘seat at the table’
(RNS) — ‘Tahanie is New York personified,’ said Aboushi’s friend Linda Sarsour. ‘She is kind, humble, but also unbought and unbossed.’