News
LA clergy look to hold city officials responsible for allowing Sean Feucht’s Skid Row event
(RNS) — On Wednesday (Jan. 13), Clergy for Black Lives hosted a virtual news conference on Zoom to condemn the ‘white supremacist violence and heretical Christian prophecy’ in the nation’s capital and in downtown LA.
Anti-Semitism seen in Capitol attack raises alarms
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two white nationalists known for racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric livestreamed to their online followers after breaking into the Capitol during the deadly insurrection.
Biden taps Delaware AME pastor to offer benediction at inauguration
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A longtime confidant of the Biden family, Silvester S. Beaman, made headlines when he was featured in a 2020 Trump campaign ad.
James Clyburn to propose designating ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ as the national hymn
(RNS) — The Democratic congressman from South Carolina said elevating the hymn — often described as the unofficial ‘Black national anthem’ — could be an act of healing.
Pakistan attempts to prosecute Ahmadi US citizens for digital blasphemy
(RNS) — In 2016, Pakistan enacted digital regulations that allow authorities to block online content in the ‘interest of the glory of Islam.’
Open Doors’ 2021 watch list highlights impact of COVID-19 on religious persecution worldwide
(RNS) — North Korea leads the organization’s annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution for their faith for the 20th straight year.
For insurrectionists, a violent faith brewed from nationalism, conspiracies and Jesus
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As insurrectionists began the attack on the Capitol, a banner waved above the throng. It read: ‘Proud American Christian.’
On his way to prison, Catholic activist advocates for COVID-19 prisoner release
(RNS) — Patrick O’Neill will report to a federal prison Thursday for breaking into a nuclear submarine base to protest nuclear arms. Now he’s advocating for prisoner safety during a pandemic.
What four strangers of different faiths learned while living together during a pandemic
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Hadar Cohen, Ala’ Khan, Maya Mansour and Jonathan Simcosky were chosen as fellows for an interfaith experiment known as the Abrahamic House. They come from different faiths: Baha’i, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Priest accused of abetting alleged sex abuse ring is hired by diocesan charity
(RNS) — The mother of an alleged abuse victim claims the priest broke the confidence of the confessional to warn church officials of a coming investigation.
Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol
(RNS) — Author Tea Krulos talked to Religion News Service about how conspiracy theories have spread, how religion plays a role and how to talk to friends and family who believe them.
Liberty University sues governor over financial aid changes
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The suit accuses Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration of wrongfully denying financial aid to some of the evangelical school’s online students.
Cardinal Parolin asked Vatican bank for loan to exit troubling London realty deal
(RNS) — Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said he intended to use the loan to pay off a mortgage on the property that was weighing heavily on the Vatican coffers.
Samaritan’s Purse field hospitals much in demand as COVID case counts rise
LENOIR, N.C. (RNS) — The evangelical humanitarian relief organization has trained healthcare workers or treated COVID-19 patients in 30 countries. Its latest field hospital is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died of COVID-19
(RNS) — Soccorsi was being treated for cancer at a Rome hospital when he contracted COVID-19, according to reports.
