News
Idaho church window once depicting Robert E. Lee now honors Black female bishop
By Adelle M. Banks — December 22, 2021
(RNS) — ‘We recognize this section of our window is more than a benign historical marker,’ the United Methodist church’s leaders said in 2020.
Pastor asks federal court to sanction immigration officials
By Jack Jenkins — December 22, 2021
(RNS) — The request is part of an ongoing lawsuit in which the pastor accuses federal officials of violating her religious freedom by surveilling her after she officiated at immigrant weddings.
United Methodists join Boy Scouts in settlement proposal to aid sex abuse survivors
By Adelle M. Banks — December 22, 2021
(RNS) — ‘We are sorry for what occurred and are praying for all those who experienced harm through Scouting activities,’ said Bishop John Schol, a leader in the mediation process.
Plans move forward for 2022 pope, Russian patriarch meeting
By Nicole Winfield and Vladimir Isachenkov — December 22, 2021
ROME (AP) — Metropolitan Hilarion, foreign relations chief of the Russian Orthodox Church, met for about an hour with Francis on Wednesday morning at the Vatican.
Catholic bishop criticizes Satanic Temple holiday display at Illinois Statehouse
By Heather Greene — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — A swaddled baby version of the deity Baphomet sits alongside a Christmas tree, the Nativity scene and a menorah.
Exceptions for ‘Jewish tourism’ rankle US Christians blocked from Israel at Christmas
By Yonat Shimron and Michele Chabin — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — Birthright Israel delegations and similar Jewish travel programs were exempted from a travel ban that has canceled Christian trips to Israel at Christmas.
Churches’ ministry to those hurt by the pandemic shows ‘monumental’ growth, study says
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — The percentage of churches reporting deaths within their membership increased from 17% in the summer to 28% in November, a new report states.
How Ohio’s Indigenous sacred sites became a religious flashpoint
By Diana Kruzman — December 21, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — A battle for access to sacred sites is taking place, from mountains in Arizona to rivers in North Dakota, aimed at fending off developers or government agencies to preserve the physical integrity directly linked to their spiritual value.
Cardinal Turkson says offer to resign from top Vatican post is standard procedure
By Claire Giangravé — December 21, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The highest-ranking African prelate at the Vatican resigned from his post, but it’s up to Pope Francis to decide the next step.
China imposes sanctions on USCIRF officials over Xinjiang
By Associated Press — December 21, 2021
BEIJING (AP) — The tit-for-tat sanctions add to spiraling tension over Xinjiang.
Denzel Washington: ‘I wanted to please God’ in latest directing effort
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — ‘True love never dies. That's what they have — not had — have,’ Washington said of Dana Canedy and her partner who was killed in Iraq.
24 inmates awarded BA degree in pastoral ministry will serve NC prisons as ministers
By Yonat Shimron — December 20, 2021
NASHVILLE, N.C. (RNS) — A push to rehabilitate prisoners through education is quietly taking root across the nation and in North Carolina.
LA Archdiocese sues LAUSD, alleging it kept federal funds from Catholic schools
By Alejandra Molina — December 20, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A complaint filed Thursday (Dec. 16) claims that the district 'has openly and consistently acted to prevent federally funded services from reaching eligible, lower income (archdiocesan) students.'
Instagram ‘smash and grab’ impostors peddle fake psychic and tarot readings
By Heather Greene — December 20, 2021
(RNS) — Metaphysical practitioners are becoming increasingly frustrated with social media outlets as impersonators thrive off their accounts.
Egypt’s leading activist gets 5 years; 2 others get 4 years
By Associated Press — December 20, 2021
CAIRO (AP) — Alaa Abdel-Fattah's arrest and trial have drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups.
