News
Arrest made in suspected antisemitic attack in LA as Jewish community remains on edge
By Alejandra Molina — May 24, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Xavier Pabon, 30, was taken into custody around 10:15 p.m. Friday (May 21) and was released on $275,000 bond early Sunday, according to jail records.
Incoming Bishop Stephen Chow says he feels the pressure of leading Hong Kong diocese
By Claire Giangravé — May 24, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Jesuit Father Stephen Chow prepares to lead the divided diocese of Hong Kong, caught by internal struggles and outside influence from China, he relies on St. Ignatius for guidance and promises to listen with empathy.
Modi silent on Muslim philanthropist’s offer of medical supplies for India
By Priyadarshini Sen — May 24, 2021
NEW DELHI (RNS) — Modi once called on South Asian countries to 'chalk out a strong strategy to fight the coronavirus,' but his plans have foundered on mistrust and hostility between Pakistan and India.
Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago reinstates Rev. Michael Pfleger after past sex abuse allegations
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 24, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — The Rev. Michael Pfleger, 71, will return to his position as senior pastor of the Faith Community of St. Sabina in Chicago on June 5, according to a letter from Cardinal Blase Cupich.
NYC mayor says antisemitic attackers ‘will be prosecuted’
By Associated Press — May 24, 2021
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio promised Sunday that police would catch the group of young men who hurled antisemitic threats outside of a synagogue in Brooklyn.
Cardinal Pell eyes a Vatican scandal he suspected long ago
By Nicole Winfield — May 24, 2021
(RNS) — Foiled in his own attempts to untangle the church's finances, the cardinal is watching how prosecutors move against Vatican and outside figures who are suspected of corruption.
Debate over Israel-Palestine violence highlights shifting political and religious alliances
By Jack Jenkins — May 21, 2021
(RNS) — 'That kind of Black solidarity, particularly Black faith solidarity, was very beautiful to see,' said activist Linda Sarsour.
Survey: Religion a key topic for many millennial moms during pandemic
By Joseph Hammond — May 21, 2021
(RNS) — Nearly a third of mothers discussed faith or spirituality last year, a new survey found.
Photos of the Week: Buddha’s birthday; vaccine drives
By Kit Doyle — May 21, 2021
(RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes the Buddha's birthday, religious vaccination efforts and more.
Russell Moore leaves Southern Baptist leadership, but denomination’s troubles remain
By Bob Smietana — May 21, 2021
NASHVILLE (RNS) — Southern Baptists have long been able to find enough consensus to cooperate on missions. In recent years, they've become less cooperative because of debates over race, politics and the role of women in the church.
Southern Baptist decline continues, denomination has lost more than 2 million members since 2006
By Bob Smietana — May 21, 2021
NASHVILLE (RNS) — Baptisms dropped to the lowest point since the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and 1919.
Jewish camp for adults attracts a growing set of young people more ‘ish’ than ‘Jew’
By Yonat Shimron — May 21, 2021
(RNS) — Trybal Gatherings reconnect 20- and 30-year-olds with other Jews their age at a time when many skip any kind of religious institutional connection.
Poor People’s Campaign, lawmakers unveil sweeping resolution to tackle poverty
By Jack Jenkins — May 20, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The resolution hopes to do for poverty what the Green New Deal proposes to do for environmental issues.
Hindu American Foundation files defamation suit against Hindu rights nonprofit
By Mythili Sampathkumar — May 20, 2021
(RNS) — By taking legal action, HAF has essentially taken issue with being associated with Hindutva, a term used to describe Hindu nationalists and those who conflate being Indian with being Hindu.
Los Angeles police investigating brawl as antisemitic hate crime
By Alejandra Molina — May 20, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — After Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a hate crime investigation of an attack against Jewish diners, another video surfaced of a separate incident involving an Orthodox Jewish man being chased by two cars with people waving a Palestinian flag.