News
Pope decries indifference toward migrants, as he prays for the dead in the French port of Marseille
By Sylvie Corbet and Nicole Winfield — September 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis' two-day visit to Marseille is aimed at sending a message well beyond the Catholic faithful to Europe, North Africa and beyond.
Beloved N.C. Baptist charity leader steps down over alleged misuse of $89,000 in donations
By Bob Smietana — September 21, 2023
(RNS) — Michael Blackwell, who had led the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina since 1983, spent tens of thousands of dollars in the past three years on personal expenses and used charitable funds to buy his wife a car, according to a forensic audit.
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh activist whose killing has divided Canada and India?
By Krutika Pathi and David Cohen — September 21, 2023
NEW DELHI (AP) — Following his death, the World Sikh Organization of Canada called Nijjar an outspoken supporter of Khalistan who “often led peaceful protests against the violation of human rights actively taking place in India and in support of Khalistan.”
Belly dancers, terrorists or taxi drivers: Arab American comedians spoof stereotypes
By Fiona André — September 21, 2023
(RNS) — The Arab American Comedy Festival is launching a 10-month tour as the event turns 20.
Canada gets muted allied support after alleging India may have been involved in killing of Canadian
By Rob Gillies — September 21, 2023
TORONTO (AP) — None of Canada’s most important allies — not the U.S., Britain, Australia or New Zealand, all knitted tightly together in the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance — echoed Trudeau’s allegations.
The Porter’s Gate hopes to bridge gap between mental health and faith with new album
By Kathryn Post — September 21, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Sanctuary Songs,’ a 12-track album inspired by conversations about mental health and faith, was released on Friday (Sept. 15).
‘Holy Food’ explores American history and religion through food
By Jillian Cheney — September 21, 2023
(RNS) — 'Holy Food: How Cults, Communes, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat,' by Christina Ward, is both history book and cookbook, with over 75 recipes.
ELCA hears from Indigenous boarding school survivor ahead of National Day of Remembrance
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 20, 2023
(RNS) — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of several mainline denominations reckoning with the role they played in the federal boarding school system.
Jerry Falwell’s legal battle with Liberty University — and his brother — escalates
By Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins — September 20, 2023
(RNS) — In an amended complaint filed in federal court last week, Falwell Jr. alleged several board members diverted university funds to private causes and overlooked sexual misconduct by former leaders.
In Marseille, Pope Francis will make the case for migrants to the world
By Claire Giangravé — September 20, 2023
(RNS) — As a new wave of immigrants enters Europe and nations close borders, the pope will make the case for welcoming.
Suspended UMC Latina bishop accused of financial malfeasance and retaliation
By Yonat Shimron — September 19, 2023
(RNS) — The trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño is a first for a United Methodist bishop.
Riding a wave of converts, one group aims to fuse Orthodoxy with Southern values
By Meagan Saliashvili — September 19, 2023
TOBACCOVILLE, N.C. (RNS) — At the group’s inaugural event, the majority of attendees appeared to represent the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, though few were ‘cradle’ Orthodox Christians.
In chic Soho, a Hindu temple offers itself as a spiritual oasis
By Richa Karmarkar — September 19, 2023
(RNS) — This weekend, members of the Broome Street Hindu temple in Soho will go to the banks of the Hudson River to perform the visarjan ritual of Ganesh Chaturthi. For some New Yorkers, it will be the first time participating in distinctly Hindu practices.
Despite remaining leaderless, SBC Executive Committee says it had ‘most unified meeting in some time’
By Bob Smietana — September 19, 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — An unexpected withdrawal marks the second time this year that a nomination for leader of the Executive Committee has fallen apart.
Sarah Jakes Roberts, pastor and T.D. Jakes’ daughter, now Time100 Next honoree
By Adelle M. Banks — September 19, 2023
(RNS) — ‘When your father is T.D. Jakes and you follow his footsteps into the world of ministry, there’s a lot of pressure to find your own voice,’ said Tyler Perry in tribute.
