News

US top court to hear key religious rights case involving Missouri church
WASHINGTON (Reuters) The case, which examines the limits of religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution, is one of the most important before the court in its current term.

Joan Chittister’s ‘radical’ take on humility, fake news and social media
(RNS) For the popular activist and author, freedom comes from living out the 12 degrees of humility found in the Rule of St. Benedict, which guides her life as a Benedictine nun. And they’re just as applicable today.

Gunmen kill policeman in attack near Egypt’s St. Catherine’s Monastery
(Reuters) The attack comes just over a week after two bombings on Egyptian churches during Palm Sunday services, claimed by the Islamic State group, killed 45 people.

Hate crime law results in few convictions and lots of disappointment
(Pro Publica) In Texas, the tiny number of successful prosecutions leave both victims and lawmakers questioning state’s commitment to punishing hate.

Marvelous miniatures give up some — but not all — their treasures
NEW YORK (RNS) This is a story about a mysterious artist, his glorious art, a failed royal marriage and virtual-reality goggles. And, oh yes, faith preserved 500 years in a wooden ball the size of a peach.

US top court urged to decide church case despite state policy flip
WASHINGTON (Reuters) The case, which tests the limits of religious freedom, is one of the most important before the court in its current term.

Georgetown University apologizes for role in slave trade
WASHINGTON (RNS) The day of remembrance, which includes a liturgy and the rededication of two buildings, came seven months after the university announced plans to mark its connections to the slave trade.

‘Dirty’ Jakarta election looms as religious politics resurface
JAKARTA (Reuters) The Luar Batang neighborhood is ground zero for the election of the city’s governor, dubbed one of the most divisive election campaigns Indonesia has ever seen.

New study shows number of American atheists underreported
(RNS) Could the actual number be as high as 26 percent?

What Jeffrey John’s rejection says about unity in the Anglican Communion
LONDON (RNS) John has been rejected as a candidate for bishop a remarkable seven times. It is more than a personal blow. It is about the worldwide Anglican Communion’s lingering division over homosexuality.

With Trump pick aboard, top US court tackles religious rights
WASHINGTON (Reuters) New Justice Neil Gorsuch’s judicial record indicates he could tip the court toward siding with a church challenging Missouri’s ban on state funding of religious entities.

In Easter message, pope warns against the spread of conflict
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his Easter Sunday blessing, Francis also urged the faithful to remember ‘all those forced to leave their homelands as a result of armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, famine and oppressive regimes.’

French presidential hopeful slams Pope Francis for welcoming migrants
ROME (RNS) “The fact that he appeals for charity, for welcoming others, foreigners, does not shock me,” Le Pen said. “But charity should only be personal.”

A Good Friday peace walk remembers victims of Chicago violence
CHICAGO (RNS) Cardinal Blase Cupich led the procession Friday (April 14) through Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, a community scarred by gun violence.

Iraqi Christians return to ransacked town with fear and hope
QARAQOSH, Iraq (Reuters) With the Islamic State group expelled, Iraqi Christians are trickling back to the ransacked town of Qaraqosh, beset by anxiety for their security and yet hopeful they can live in friendship with Muslims of all persuasions.