News
Communion ban for pro-choice politicians is an old story, but the stakes have grown
By Claire Giangravé — June 7, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While this debate has happened before, the context in the US Catholic church and its dynamic with the Vatican have changed.
Southern Baptist pastors demand inquiry into handling of sex abuse cases
By Yonat Shimron — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — The pastors want to confront allegations detailed in letters from outgoing SBC ethics chief Russell Moore, who said top leaders of the convention resisted sexual abuse reforms and bullied a sexual abuse victim.
Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren signals retirement with search for successor
By Alejandra Molina — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — 'For more than 40 years Kay and I have known that this time, this day would eventually arrive, and we’ve been waiting on God's perfect timing,' Warren said.
A refugee agency rebuilds its pipeline after Trump: ‘We’re starting from scratch’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 7, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (RNS) — Hollowed out by four years of drastic cuts to the number of refugees allowed into the country, the faith-based agencies that resettle families in the U.S. are gearing back up.
Italian nun slain by 3 teen girls beatified as martyr
By Associated Press — June 7, 2021
ROME (AP) — Hours before the beatification ceremony in northern Italy, Pope Francis praised Sister Maria Laura Mainetti and described her killers as 'prisoners of evil.'
Cleared Chicago priest holds first Mass since reinstatement
By Sophia Tareen — June 7, 2021
CHICAGO (AP) — “It’s good to be home,” the Rev. Michael Pfleger repeatedly told congregants of the Faith Community of St. Sabina. Pfleger was cleared by an Archdiocese of Chicago investigation into claims that he sexually abused several boys decades ago. A police investigation remains open.
Popular Nigerian televangelist T.B. Joshua dies at 57
By Sam Olukoya — June 7, 2021
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Joshua was noted for making predictions and for his claims to cure various ailments and to make people prosper through miracles.
Wisconsin priest digs in to refuse bishop’s demand to resign
By Todd Richmond and David Crary — June 6, 2021
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Rev. James Altman calls himself “a lowly priest” serving a blue-collar city in western Wisconsin. But when his bishop demanded his resignation – after a series of divisive remarks about politics and the pandemic – Altman refused to oblige and has since raised more than $640,000 from his conservative supporters […]
Trudeau wants Vatican apology for church-run school abuses
By Rob Gillies — June 5, 2021
(AP) — Trudeau called on the church to “step up” and take responsibility after years of silence.
Pilgrims return to Spain’s ‘El Camino’ paths after pandemic
By Iain Sullivan and Joseph Wilson — June 5, 2021
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain (AP) — Soul-searchers hoping to heal wounds left by the coronavirus are once again strapping on backpacks and following trails marked with a seashell emblem to the shrine in the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Photos of the Week: Dancing devils; Tulsa massacre anniversary
By Kit Doyle — June 4, 2021
(RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes Buddhists in China's Tibet Autonomous Region, an annual dancing devils festival in Venezuela and more.
New app, believr, aims to create a ‘home for LGBTQ+ Christians’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 4, 2021
(RNS) — Believr started out as a dating app but transformed into a broader community. 'I believe the LGBTQ+ Christian space is much bigger than people realize or think,' said the founder.
Faith groups press Biden to evacuate US-affiliated Afghans alongside troops
By Jack Jenkins — June 4, 2021
(RNS) — 'We view this as a ticking time bomb,' said one signer of the letter.
Former art studio of LA’s ‘pop art nun’ designated as historic monument
By Alejandra Molina — June 4, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The former art studio of the late Corita Kent, known as LA’s 'pop art nun,' had been slated for demolition to make way for additional parking.
Kenyan woman ‘marries’ the Holy Spirit in Anglican ceremony
By Fredrick Nzwili — June 4, 2021
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — A man who said he is her husband viewed the most recent ceremony differently: “There are not two marriages here. She is my wife.”