News
Lawmakers, pope ask Missouri governor to halt execution
By Jim Salter — October 4, 2021
In a letter last week, a representative for Pope Francis wrote that the pope “wishes to place before you the simple fact of Mr. Johnson’s humanity and the sacredness of all human life," referring to Ernest Johnson.
Pope Francis, faith leaders call for action ahead of COP26 climate summit
By Claire Giangravé — October 4, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis and global faith leaders joined forces on Monday at the Vatican in an interreligious appeal for urgent action for the environment.
Pat Robertson turned Christian TV into political power — and blew it up with wacky prophecy
By Mark I. Pinsky — October 4, 2021
(RNS) — Robertson, who announced his intention to retire as daily host of 'The 700 Club,' transformed televangelism from hot, pulpit-pounding sermons to a cool format and used his platform to launch a run for president.
Three Swiss Guards resign following Vatican vaccine mandate
By Claire Giangravé — October 4, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The vaccine requirement 'is a measure that is aligned with those of other armed forces in the world,' said the media spokesperson for the Swiss Guards.
Muslims recall questionable detentions that followed 9/11
By Noreen Nasir and Gary Fields — October 4, 2021
Even though 20 years have passed, several Muslim families still remember the treatment they underwent after the incident.
LDS president: Church leaders speak ‘pure truth’
By Brady Mccombs — October 4, 2021
President Russell M. Nelson expressed gratitude for those who followed church guidance during the pandemic by getting vaccinated.
Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ
By Mead Gruver — October 4, 2021
The library had faced protests and threats last summer over plans for a performance by a transgender magician, who later ended up canceling the act.
A brief guide to the Southern Baptist meltdown over sexual abuse
By Bob Smietana — October 2, 2021
(RNS) — A fight over one clause in a contract has deep implications for the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Durga Puja and volcanic eruptions
By Jessi Dodge — October 1, 2021
Sailors, Marines seek religious accommodation to wear beards
By Joseph Hammond — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — One Orthodox Jewish sailor and three Muslim sailors joined in a lawsuit alleging the Navy’s beard policy amounts to a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Jewish women to march in abortion rights rally
By Yonat Shimron — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — The National Council for Jewish Women will host a special Shabbat morning service at the site of the Washington march Saturday in Freedom Plaza.
‘We’re all interconnected’: Pagan, Christian clergy urge interfaith understanding
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — The Rev. Ethan Stark and the Rev. Andy Behrendt hosted “A Pagan and a Pastor: A Necessary Conversation” to address some frequently asked questions about their faiths and misperceptions each tradition has about the other.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’: The controversial musical phenomenon turns 50
By Kathryn Post — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — Once banned from BBC Radio for being sacrilegious, the hit musical has now become a brand in and of itself.
Where Serra statues once stood, a chance to honor California’s Indigenous people
By Alejandra Molina — October 1, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A year after protesters across California toppled monuments to Serra, Indigenous leaders, artists and others are seeking to activate those sites in a way that would memorialize the state’s Indigenous people.
Faith leaders, including Francis, to present joint appeal for COP26 climate summit
By Claire Giangravé — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — Pope Francis will join about 40 faith leaders to promote climate awareness among world leaders at the COP26 environmental summit.
