News
Amid resignation rumors, Pope Francis says, ‘It didn’t even cross my mind’
By Claire Giangravé — September 1, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a wide-ranging interview, the pontiff discussed Afghanistan, China and reform of the church, while dismissing rumors that he would be the second pope in eight years to resign.
Faith-based disaster relief groups balance COVID safety with speedy response to Hurricane Ida
By Bob Smietana — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — The surge in COVID-19 rates makes responding to disasters like Ida more complicated.
California, LA County both to pay $400,000 settlement to John MacArthur’s church
By Alejandra Molina — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — This agreement, county officials said, was reached in the context of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in February that told California it couldn’t enforce a ban on indoor worship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Kanye West’s ‘Donda,’ faith is the message — or a metaphor
By Jillian Cheney — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — Critics have called the album unfocused and rambling, but fans are raving about the surprise release.
Christian residents of two northern Israeli ghost towns renew bid to go home
By Botrus Mansour — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — With a new coalition government in power in Israel, descendants of the residents of Iqrit and Biram have hopes of rebuilding the towns.
Feds charge ex-priest with child sex crimes in East Timor
By Associated Press — August 31, 2021
(AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a defrocked American priest on charges of having sex with minors while running a children’s shelter in a remote part of East Timor.
First Nations Version translates the New Testament for Native American readers
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — 'We believe it's a gift not only to our Native people, (but) from our Native people to the dominant culture,' said Terry Wildman, the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version.
Mormon vaccine push ratchets up, dividing faith’s members
By Sophia Eppolito — August 31, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — After more than a year of attending church virtually, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why people from their congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don’t wear masks. Allen said she has taught her daughter that wearing a mask is Christlike, but […]
Mississippi governor: Christians are ‘less scared’ of COVID
By Emily Wagster Pettus — August 31, 2021
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Republican governor Tate Reeves said he believes Christians are ‘a little less scared’ of COVID-19 because of their belief in eternal life.
New book ‘God’s Diplomats’ unveils the secret history of Vatican diplomacy
By Claire Giangravé — August 30, 2021
(RNS) — A new book on the history of the Vatican's international relations shows how Pope Francis is only following in his predecessors' footsteps in standing up to the United States.
Services at Tennessee governor’s church disrupted by megachurch pastor feud
By Bob Smietana — August 30, 2021
(RNS) — Sarah Berger, wife of Grace Chapel founder Steve Berger, grabbed a mic and accused the church's new pastor of conspiring against her husband.
France’s Macron visits Iraq’s Mosul destroyed by IS war
By Qassim Abdul-zahra and Hadi Mizban — August 30, 2021
MOSUL, Iraq (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron visited Iraq’s northern city of Mosul, which suffered widespread destruction during the war to defeat the Islamic State group in 2017.
Myanmar says Rohingya minority will get COVID-19 vaccine
By Associated Press — August 30, 2021
BANGKOK (AP) — A spokesman for Myanmar’s military-installed government said Friday that COVID-19 vaccines will be given to members of the country’s persecuted Rohingya ethnic group.
Pope replaces Australian bishop in alleged misconduct probe
By Associated Press — August 30, 2021
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday replaced an Australian bishop who stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Germany: Survivors, leaders remember victims of July floods
By Associated Press — August 30, 2021
BERLIN (AP) — Catholic Bishop Georg Bätzing said he sees 'a glimmer of hope' in the countless people who selflessly offered help to affected communities.
