News
African American Muslims among those targeted by anti-Muslim group
By Joseph Hammond — January 14, 2022
(RNS) — The Council on Islamic Relations is claiming the Investigative Project on Terrorism targeted African American Muslims through a multi-year effort.
Illinois marks ‘Muhammad Ali Day’ as boxer’s legacy continues
By Joseph Hammond — January 14, 2022
(RNS) — The date chosen, Ali’s birthday, happens to fall this year on the observance of Martin Luther King Day.
King’s last full year of life: Protest, praise, ire, incarceration
By Adelle M. Banks — January 13, 2022
(RNS) — King drew criticism from Billy Graham, who told journalists that he thought King was wrong to link anti-war efforts with the civil rights movement.
Jon Meacham, Bishop Michael Curry discuss religion, politics and insurrection
By Jack Jenkins — January 13, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The two Episcopalian thinkers discuss the Jan. 6 insurrection, the role of faith and the future of politics.
Ahead of Jewish Earth Day, more Jewish institutions take climate action
By Yonat Shimron — January 13, 2022
(RNS) — Environmental awareness is beginning to filter down into Jewish institutional life, with increasing attention to building sustainability and impact investing.
Judge dismisses challenge to Connecticut law ending religious vaccine exemption
By Susan Haigh — January 13, 2022
(AP) — U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton said the plaintiffs failed to prove state's decision to end the exemption was “motivated by any religious animus.”
North Dakota bishops oppose UND gender inclusion policy
By James Macpherson — January 13, 2022
(AP) — UND President Andrew Armacost said some of the North Dakota Catholic Conference’s claims about the policy 'simply aren’t true.'
Court dismisses Louisiana pastor’s virus restrictions suit
By Kevin Mcgill — January 13, 2022
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Louisiana pastor’s lawsuit over Gov. John Bel Edwards’ past COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings was rejected for a second time Wednesday by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson in Baton Rouge said the lawsuit by Tony Spell seeking an order blocking the restrictions is moot because the restrictions […]
Scholar: America is still reacting to the religious right, in more ways than one
By Jack Jenkins — January 13, 2022
(RNS) — The shadow of the religious right is long, and may be hindering the ability of modern-day Christian conservatives to stifle radicalism.
Federal ruling paves way for Mississippi mosque construction project
By Joseph Hammond — January 12, 2022
(RNS) — In at least one instance, a municipal official who opposed the mosque admitted the plan was initially blocked ‘because they’re Muslims.’
Hartford International University expands Black ministries with Howard Thurman Center
By Adelle M. Banks — January 12, 2022
(RNS) — ‘The center’s North Star will be Thurman’s insistence on social justice and responsibility within a spiritual framework,’ its director said.
In Africa, hijab is no barrier to success in beauty pageants
By Fredrick Nzwili — January 12, 2022
(RNS) — Two young women have won prominent beauty titles while keeping their heads covered according to Muslim tradition.
Vatican tightens COVID-19 restrictions, applies mandatory vaccination
By Claire Giangravé — January 12, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The mandates apply to employees as well as visitors to the Vatican Museums and gardens.
New Mexico church official urges nuclear disarmament talks
By Susan Montoya Bryan — January 12, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The head of one of the oldest Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States says now is the time to rejuvenate and sustain a global conversation about the need for nuclear disarmament and how to develop ways to avoid a new nuclear arms race. Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester released a […]
Noem to push abortion ban after 6 weeks, conservative vision
By Stephen Groves — January 12, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Tuesday (Jan. 11) said she would push legislation to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, as she laid out a sharply conservative list of priorities to start the state’s legislative session. During the final State of the State address of her first term, the […]
