News
Willow Creek announces major layoffs amid post-COVID struggle
By Bob Smietana — May 19, 2022
(RNS) — The layoffs come as the church struggles to rebound from COVID-19 and the scandal involving co-founder Bill Hybels.
Insurers suddenly raise stakes on German churches’ sex abuse response
By Tom Heneghan — May 19, 2022
(RNS) — One of Germany’s biggest trade associations, representing 10 million insured people, has given victims of sexual abuse a powerful ally with deep pockets and highly paid lawyers.
Cardinal: Pope ordered auditor to resign over spying charge
By Nicole Winfield — May 19, 2022
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinal Angelo Becciu testified Wednesday that it was Francis who ordered the ouster of the Holy See’s auditor-general.
Doctor who fought church gunman remembered as kind protector
By Julie Watson and Amy Taxin — May 19, 2022
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (AP) — It was no surprise to friends and colleagues that John Cheng spent his final moments saving others by rushing a gunman who fired on a Southern California church
Gunman targets Taiwanese faith with long pro-democracy link
By Deepa Bharath — May 19, 2022
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Investigators said they obtained Chou's handwritten notes documenting his hatred of Taiwan.
As Roe’s potential fall nears, abortion abolitionists turn on ‘pro-life elites’
By Bob Smietana — May 19, 2022
(RNS) — Abortion abolitionists, including a leading candidate for SBC president, want an end to abortion, with no exceptions, and say women who have illegal abortions should face murder charges.
Preservationists seek to acquire beloved Hollywood home to cloistered nuns
By Alejandra Molina — May 18, 2022
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Over the years, the Monastery of the Angels community has been dwindling as the nuns age and after some died from COVID-19 and other causes, making it difficult to sustain the monastery’s ‘democratic way of life.’
Lawsuit accuses ACNA church of negligence that resulted in child sexual abuse
By Kathryn Post — May 18, 2022
(RNS) — The case will be co-counseled by longtime sexual abuse attorney Boz Tchividjian.
Gore says climate crisis like ‘nature hike right through the Book of Revelation’
By Adelle M. Banks — May 18, 2022
(RNS) — ‘The transition to a cleaner future can also be a transition to a more just and equitable future,’ he said at a Black Interfaith Project event.
A year after disaster, thousands flock to Israeli holy site
By Associated Press — May 18, 2022
(AP) — This year's Lag BaOmer holiday festivities at Mount Meron are overshadowed by last year's deaths, the largest civilian disaster in the country's history.
With Roe in peril, abortion rights advocates prepare appeals to religious liberty
By Jack Jenkins — May 17, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘The Torah is clear on this issue: Abortion is not only permitted in Judaism, but in some cases required when the life of the pregnant person is at stake,’ said Sheila Katz, head of the National Council of Jewish Women.
In India, Hindu nationalists embolden challenges to atheism
By Varsha Torgalkar — May 17, 2022
PUNE, India (RNS) — Organizations that support and promote atheism in India are being attacked by Hindutva activists.
Prosecutor: Church gunman had ‘diabolical plan’ to massacre
By Amy Taxin and Stefanie Dazio — May 17, 2022
(AP) — Dr. John Cheng, a sports medicine doctor who is survived by a wife and two children, charged at the shooter and attempted to disarm him, allowing others to intervene.
Vatican foreign minister to visit Ukraine as pope toes delicate line
By Nicole Winfield — May 17, 2022
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Archbishop Paul Gallagher's trip comes as the Holy See toes a delicate line in trying to keep alive newly improved ties with the Russian Orthodox Church while offering support to the “martyred” Ukrainian faithful.
Faith on the ground in Buffalo: Voice Buffalo executive director Denise Walden
By Adelle M. Banks — May 17, 2022
(RNS) — ‘They are some of the matriarchs and the pillars of our community,’ Buffalo minister says of residents killed in attack.
