News
Dalai Lama says China’s leaders ‘don’t understand’ diversity
By Associated Press — November 10, 2021
On Wednesday, the 86-year-old Buddhist monk said he wished to remain home in India rather than get involved in the “complicated politics" between China, run by the officially atheist Communist Party, and strongly Buddhist Taiwan.
Amid COVID-19, most churches provide hybrid worship, half stopped picnics
By Adelle M. Banks — November 10, 2021
(RNS) — A new study shows that ‘the pandemic has had a profound impact across the religious spectrum, and that some churches are faring better than others,’ said scholar Scott Thumma.
AI technology resurrects the voice of Laleh Bakhtiar
By Joseph Hammond — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — A project aimed at cementing the legacy of an Islam scholar could help the IT world’s sometime hostility to Muslim voices.
Reform Jewish seminary report uncovers 50 years of sexual misconduct
By Yonat Shimron — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — The report shows many of its rabbinical students said the seminary had an ‘old boys’ club’ mentality that allowed sexual harassment against women and LGBTQ students to fester.
Indigenous and faith leaders urge Procter & Gamble to end logging of old-growth forests
By Diana Kruzman — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — Activists pressuring the company to source materials in Canada and Southeast Asia more ethically say it’s not just an environmental issue, but also a spiritual one.
Meet the United Methodist pastor featured on HBO’s drag reality show ‘We’re Here’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — Performing in drag was an ‘incredibly wonderful, refreshing, deepening, powerful spiritual experience,’ said Pastor Craig Duke of Newburgh United Methodist Church in Indiana.
Bentleys to Buddhas: Vintage-car shop restores temple statue
By Peter Smith — November 9, 2021
The monks of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center approached Exoticars, a car restoration shop in Pittsburgh, for the restoration of its outdoor statue of the Buddha.
US Holocaust Museum says China boosting Uyghur repression
By Matthew Lee — November 9, 2021
The museum says it has compiled evidence of increasing government repression against Uyghur Muslims in China’s western Xinjiang region, something China has repeatedly declined.
Franklin Graham undergoes heart surgery, expects full recovery
By Yonat Shimron — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — In a statement, his spokesman said the surgery involved removing the pericardium, a membrane, or sac, that surrounds the heart.
Southern Baptists pivot to address church sexual abuse at the state level
By Bob Smietana — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — A series of state conventions have set up committees to address the issue of abuse in Southern Baptist churches.
High court skeptical of Texas death row inmate prayer demand
By Jessica Gresko — November 9, 2021
The outcome won't take anyone off death row but could make clear what religious accommodations officials must make for inmates who are being put to death.
What is the Nation of Islam and why is Marjorie Taylor Greene praising it?
By Paul O'Donnell — November 8, 2021
(RNS) — Anti-vaccine conspiracies and rampant populism represent definite parallels between the Georgia congresswoman's agenda and the Nation's.
RNS holiday gift guide 2021: Treat yourself to cozy socks or a self-care box
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 8, 2021
(RNS) — Our holiday gift guide is full of ideas for all the people of faith — or no faith — on your list.
Bishops seek answers in vandalism of churches and Catholic symbols
By Alejandra Molina — November 8, 2021
(RNS) — 'Did they single out the Catholic Church, or is it simply that our symbols of religion are so visible that they make an easy target?' said Aaron M. Weldon, of the USCCB's Office of Religious Liberty.
Vatican Library opens to public with old-new art space
By Associated Press — November 8, 2021
Pope Francis said, "We need a new beauty, that isn’t the usual reflection of power of some but a courageous mosaic of everyone’s diversity.”
