News
Proud Boys leader seeks release, citing DC jail conditions
By Michael Kunzelman and Ashraf Khalil — November 16, 2021
Tarrio asked that his sentence be reduced or that he be allowed to finish it under house arrest because he claims he has been harassed by correctional officers and exposed to inhumane jail conditions.
Despite mistrust, Afghan Shiites seek Taliban protection
By Lee Keath — November 16, 2021
The Taliban, Sunni hard-liners who for decades targeted the Hazaras as heretics, are now their only protection against a more brutal enemy: the Islamic State group.
Amid Black exodus, young Catholics are pushing the church to address racism
By Alejandra Molina — November 15, 2021
(RNS) — For many Black Catholics, there's a fundamental belief that you cannot be a Christian and a racist. 'We have a duty to preach the gospel to our white brothers and sisters,' said Byron Wratee.
Attending Michael Flynn’s call for ‘one religion,’ a who’s who of the new Christian right
By Bob Smietana — November 15, 2021
(RNS) — A Texas megachurch was host to the latest Pentecostal God and country 'Stop the steal' and anti-vaccine rally — on a series of events drawing crowds around the country.
With ‘Villains’ tarot deck, Disney pushes the mystical practice further into mainstream
By Heather Greene — November 15, 2021
(RNS) — Maleficent from 'Sleeping Beauty' and Scar from 'Lion King' make their appearance on a new deck.
CCM industry stays silent on LGBTQ inclusion as queer artists carve inroads
By Kathryn Post — November 15, 2021
(RNS) — Streaming platforms have allowed LGBTQ Christian artists like Semler to stake a claim in Christian music.
US Catholic bishops may dodge rebuke of Biden over abortion
By David Crary — November 15, 2021
The upcoming national meeting of the US Catholic bishops will likely avoid direct criticism of President Joe Biden's stance on abortion rights.
Polish Muslim leader helps feed migrants and soldiers
By Adam Pemble and Matthias Schrader — November 15, 2021
Maciej Szczęsnowicz said, "We are supposed to help everybody who entered the Polish border. Everybody, yes, because they are human."
Pope Francis praises book detailing LGBTQ ministry during HIV/AIDS pandemic
By Claire Giangravé — November 15, 2021
(RNS) — The book 'Hidden Mercy,' written by journalist Michael O’Loughlin, portrays the stories of Catholics who ministered to the LGBTQ community during the deadly AIDS pandemic in the United States.
Photos of the Week: Hindu sun god festival, Mexico Migrant Mass
By Kit Doyle — November 12, 2021
(RNS) - This week’s photo gallery includes the Hindu sun god festival Chhath Puja, a Mass for migrants in Mexico and more.
New biography offers novel approach to life of Muhammad
By Joseph Hammond — November 12, 2021
(RNS) — In his new book, 'Muhammad, the World-Changer: An Intimate Portrait,' biographer Mohamad Jebara takes long-established sources and weaves them together for a fresh telling of a familiar story.
As Catholic bishops gather, so do protesters on right and left
By Jack Jenkins — November 12, 2021
(RNS) — Onetime Trump adviser Steve Bannon is slated to participate in a demonstration by Church Militant, but local officials have expressed concerns about potential violence.
Tony Evans, Priscilla Shirer see Bible lessons anew in documentary of Holy Land trip
By Adelle M. Banks — November 12, 2021
(RNS) — ‘I've been five times, but the experience was like the first time,’ said Evans. ‘The reality of the living Christ coming through that location dominates.’
Helena synagogue building set to return to Jewish community
By Iris Samuels — November 12, 2021
A group of Jews in Helena, Montana hopes to buy back a synagogue that was built more than a century ago and sold soon after for $1.
Women in Argentina claim labor exploitation by Opus Dei
By DÉbora Rey — November 12, 2021
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lucía Giménez still suffers pain in her knees from the years she spent scrubbing floors in the men’s bathroom at the Opus Dei residence in Argentina’s capital for hours without pay. Giménez, now 56, joined the conservative Catholic group in her native Paraguay at the age of 14 with the […]
