News
Facing enrollment declines, some Catholic dioceses are betting on online schools
By Yonat Shimron — June 9, 2021
(RNS) — Catholic schools saw a 6.4% decline in enrollment at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Now some dioceses are trying to attract new students with online schools.
‘An unusual nun’: Socialite-turned-monastic Ann Russell Miller dies at 92
By Alejandra Molina — June 9, 2021
(RNS) — ‘The first two-thirds of my life were devoted to the world,’ Ann Russell Miller told friends. ‘The last third will be devoted to my soul.’
Anne Graham Lotz: ‘I just have to follow the Lord and what he’s called me to do’
By Adelle M. Banks — June 9, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Generally speaking, I’m not accountable to people who want to say that I should or shouldn’t be doing this or that,’ said Bible teacher Anne Graham Lotz.
Pressure mounts for an independent investigation of SBC Executive Committee handling of abuse
By Bob Smietana — June 9, 2021
(RNS) — Former SBC ethicist Russell Moore remains controversial, even after his departure, as he accuses Southern Baptist leaders of mishandling abuse claims.
Vatican gets mixed review for its efforts to fight financial corruption
By Claire Giangravé — June 9, 2021
(RNS) — A report by the European agency that combats money laundering says the Vatican needs to take further steps to address internal corruption and improve the institution’s judicial system.
‘All-in’ Buddhist practice combines meditation and martial arts
By Liz Kineke — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — Athletic types are drawn to Rinzai Zen training's physical demands. They stay for the Japanese flute.
‘Serenade’ album celebrates LGBTQ youth ahead of Queer Youth of Faith Day
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Serenade,’ released last week, is a genre-spanning compilation of original songs by various queer artists and allies celebrating and empowering LGBTQ people of faith.
Spirituality underpins migrant activism in US borderlands
By Anita Snow — June 8, 2021
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Protecting migrants and honoring the humanity of those who died on the perilous trail is a kind of religion in southern Arizona.
Trudeau denounces truck attack that targeted Muslim family
By Rob Gillies — June 8, 2021
TORONTO (AP) — The victims — two parents, two children and a grandmother — were on an evening walk when the truck struck them at an intersection in London, Ontario.
Mixed city of Arabs and Jews remains on edge after violence
By Ilan Ben Zion and David Goldman — June 8, 2021
LOD, Israel (AP) — The roots of the recent upheavals that racked Israel’s mixed Jewish-Arab cities during the war have not been addressed, leaving those communities on edge.
Pastor seeks revival of suit challenging virus restrictions
By Kevin Mcgill — June 8, 2021
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tony Spell repeatedly flouted the public health restrictions at his Life Tabernacle Church in the Baton Rouge suburb of Central, and faces six state criminal counts as a result.
Keep COVID-19 restrictions during in-person worship, ecumenical guide suggests
By Adelle M. Banks — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — A revised ecumenical guide includes a chart of ‘benchmarks for in-person gatherings,’ distinguishing between worship in outdoor and indoor settings.
Utah university should ditch ‘Dixie’ name, committee says
By Sophia Eppolito — June 8, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah school has been studying the impact of changing its name following a national outcry against racial injustice after the death of George Floyd.
Iranian politician, Hezbollah founder, dies of COVID-19
By Joseph Hammond — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — Mohtashamipour, 74, was one of the last living members of a generation of Iranians who played essential roles in the founding of Iran’s largely theocratic state.
Poor People’s Campaign plans ‘Moral March on Manchin’
By Jack Jenkins — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — 'It's time for people of all differences to stand together against him,' said the Rev. William Barber. 'We call it 'from the hollers in the mountains to the hood.''