News

Photos of the Week: Southern Baptists meet; historic bell found

By Kit Doyle — June 18, 2021

(RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, rebuilding a historic New York City church and more.

James Forbes’ ode to Juneteenth calls on Americans to embrace the promise of freedom

By Yonat Shimron — June 18, 2021

‘An excuse for the feast’: Witches celebrate the summer solstice with cakes, mead — and salsa

By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 18, 2021

‘We still have work to do’: How to understand the new Juneteenth holiday

By Paul O'Donnell — June 18, 2021

(RNS) — Theon Hill, an expert on rhetoric, race and social change in American culture, discusses Juneteenth and how holidays in general reflect our realities as well as our aspirations as a nation.

AOC, other Catholic Democrats urge bishops against ‘weaponization’ of Communion

By Jack Jenkins — June 18, 2021

WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We have a claim on the Church's bearing as it does on ours,' the lawmakers wrote in a statement signed by 60 Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives.

After politically charged debate, bishops vote to draft controversial Communion document

By Jack Jenkins — June 18, 2021

(RNS) — Debate over the proposal involved calls to deny President Joe Biden the Eucharist.

High court ruling cited in Kentucky child services dispute

By Bruce Schreiner — June 18, 2021

(AP) — Republicans in the commonwealth pounced on the Supreme Court ruling in Fulton v. Philadelphia to again press the governor to renew a foster care agency's contract.

Catholic groups from Mexico, Central America and US ask bishops for support in helping migrants

By Alejandra Molina — June 18, 2021

(RNS) — ‘This moment requires a whole Church response that is regional, united, and robust,’ the groups said in a June 17 letter.

Court: If bias rules have exceptions, faith groups qualify

By Peter Smith — June 18, 2021

(AP) — A ruling Thursday that favored Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia was far from the constitutional gale wind that would have reshaped how courts interpret religious liberty.

In lengthy debate, bishops wrangle over politics and ‘Eucharistic consistency’

By Jack Jenkins — June 17, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We are the shepherds and teachers of these elected officials,’ one bishop declared.

J.D. Greear’s legacy as Southern Baptist president: Grappling with abuse, pushing diversity

By Adelle M. Banks — June 17, 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — ‘Wish we could have seen more progress on responding to abuse, and current revelations reveal we still have farther to go,’ he told RNS.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, others encourage US to rebuild refugee resettlement ahead of World Refugee Day

By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 17, 2021

(RNS) — ‘A system that took 40 years to build was devastated in just four years,’ said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

Catholics for Choice looks to reach more Latinos with new Spanish-language platforms

By Alejandra Molina — June 17, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Anti-abortion legislation disproportionately impacts people of color and particularly immigrants,’ said Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice.

Catholic sculptor wishes to restore Catholic credibility amid modern evils

By Claire Giangravé — June 17, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — From Dante’s Inferno to human trafficking, a Catholic sculptor reminds the faithful that evil is real.

Catholic House Democrats prepare to send bishops ‘statement of principles’ on Communion vote