News

Vatican defends pope’s Iraq visit as ‘act of love’
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Despite safety concerns due to recent terrorist attacks and COVID-19, Francis’ historic visit will proceed with hopes of promoting peaceful coexistence in the struggling Middle Eastern nation.

After sermon criticizing wives’ weight, pastor resigns as moderator of General Baptist meeting
(RNS) — ‘Why is it so many times that women after they get married let themselves go?’ a General Baptist minister asked in February.

More than $60,000 raised for vandalized Los Angeles Buddhist temple
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — As of early March 2, more than $60,500 was raised for Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple through a GoFundMe page set up by the volunteer group Nikkei Progressives.

Conservative United Methodists announce new name, logo, website for planned denomination
(RNS) — The planned denomination said it will split from the existing United Methodist Church no matter what the General Conference decides in 2022.

US Forest Service temporarily halts transfer of Native American sacred site Oak Flat
(RNS) — The move at least temporarily halts the transfer of Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, known widely as Oak Flat, to Australian mining company Resolution Copper.

Bethany Christian Services to allow LGBTQ couples to adopt, foster children
(RNS) — The change lowers the temperature on a hot culture-war topic pitting faith-based adoption and foster care agencies and civil liberties groups against one another.

New Orleans archdiocese urges Catholics to avoid new Johnson & Johnson vaccine
(RNS) — The archdiocese said the vaccine is ‘morally compromised’ because it utilized cells with a decades-old link to an aborted fetus.

Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI shuts down ‘fanatics,’ saying Francis is the only pope
(RNS) — Dismissing conspiratorial rumors about his resignation, Benedict admitted that while ‘it was a difficult decision,’ he still believes it to have been the right thing.

Appeals court rules in favor of Pressler accuser, says abuse lawsuit can go forward
(RNS) — A former aide to retired judge Paul Pressler has alleged that the Southern Baptist leader had abused him for decades.

‘Not a good idea:’ Experts concerned about pope trip to Iraq
(RNS) — The public health message a papal trip to Iraq sends amid a global pandemic is not advisable, health experts say.

Pakistan expert: Religiosity aiding spike in militancy
(RNS) — Politicians hoped to use religious belief to bring the country closer together. But experts say it’s creating intolerance and opening up space for a creeping resurgence in militancy.

What’s in store for the Equality Act, and why do some religions want a revision?
(RNS) — The Equality Act likely won’t pass in the US Senate, as is. But if the Senate were to include religious exemptions, it might.

On late-night TV and bestseller lists, new books on prayer resonating with readers
(RNS) — After a tumultuous year, several new books about prayer from popular Christian authors seem to be speaking to the moment.

Rick Warren pays tribute to Celebrate Recovery co-founder John Baker
(RNS) — The megachurch pastor said his longtime friend had impacted the lives of millions of people.

Photos of the Week: Purim in Israel, Magh Mela in India
(RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes costumed Purim celebrations in Israel, large Magh Mela gatherings in India and more