News
Jewish philanthropist Michael Steinhardt surrenders 180 stolen antiquities
By Yonat Shimron — December 7, 2021
(RNS) — In return, Steinhardt, co-founder of Birthright Israel, an organization that sends young Jews on free trips to Israel, will not face criminal charges for illegally smuggling the items.
Ilhan Omar named ‘American Muslim Public Servant of 2021’ by CAIR
By Joseph Hammond — December 7, 2021
(RNS) — In her acceptance speech, Omar acknowledged it had been a ‘very difficult week’ as the political feud between her and Rep. Lauren Boebert continued to draw headlines.
Rachael Denhollander named Calvin University’s 2021 Kuyper Prize recipient
By Kathryn Post — December 7, 2021
(RNS) — The prize comes with $10,000 and will be awarded at Calvin University on Dec. 15.
$6.6M awarded to Tree of Life synagogue, site of massacre
By Michael Rubinkam — December 6, 2021
(AP) — The state funding will help “transform this site that has been marked by horror ... into one full of hope, remembrance and education,” Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said.
Pastor who appeared in drag on HBO’s ‘We’re Here’ forced to leave his church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — Pastor Craig Duke was relieved from his pastoral duties last week at Newburgh United Methodist Church near Evansville, Indiana, after receiving pushback from congregants over his appearance on the show.
Court lifts block, allowing San Diego schools’ vaccine mandate to go forward
By Alejandra Molina — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — 'The 9th Circuit agreed San Diego Unified is acting in the best interest of students, as opposed to discriminating on the basis of religion, as the plaintiffs had claimed,' the district said in a statement.
Does religion make people more likely to welcome refugees? It’s complicated.
By Carol Kuruvilla — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — A new study investigates how religion shapes Europeans’ attitudes toward migrants.
Fat liberationists celebrate fat bodies in religious community
By Kathryn Post — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — A small but growing group of religious fat liberationists opposes fat phobia in all its forms.
Pope Francis likens European efforts to ‘cancel Christmas’ to dictatorship
By Claire Giangravé — December 6, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis commented on a leaked EU document, accusing it of trying to 'cancel Christmas' and calling it a form of 'ideological colonization.'
African faith leaders combat misleading theologies that promise cures for COVID-19
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — A series of symposiums aims to educate clergy and unify their churches against faith healing and other practices.
As COVID continues, church-run food pantries, ministries adapt and expand
By Bob Smietana — December 6, 2021
(RNS)— For churches and other faith groups, sharing food is part of their DNA.
Both sides planning for new state-by-state abortion fight
By Ashraf Khalil — December 6, 2021
WASHINGTON (AP) — Both sides seem to be operating on the assumption that a court reshaped by former President Donald Trump will either overturn or seriously weaken Roe.
US religious group says Haitian gang releases 3 hostages
By Evens Sanon and Peter Smith — December 6, 2021
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A religious group based in Ohio announced Monday that a violent gang in Haiti has released three more hostages, while another 12 remain abducted. The statement from Christian Aid Ministries said the people were released on Sunday in Haiti and are “safe and seem to be in good spirits.” The group […]
Police kill Palestinian attacker after Jerusalem stabbing
By Joseph Krauss — December 6, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — Large numbers of security forces were deployed to the area, where they briefly clashed with a crowd of young Palestinians before dispersing them with tear gas and stun grenades.
Pope: New meeting with Russian Orthodox patriarch possible
By Nicole Winfield — December 6, 2021
(AP) — Francis said he planned to meet next week with the Russian church’s foreign envoy 'to agree on a possible meeting' with Patriarch Kirill.
