News
Atheist and humanist groups sue Mississippi over state’s ‘In God We Trust’ license plate
By Alejandra Molina — June 23, 2021
(RNS) — The suit says car owners have to choose between displaying the state’s standard license tag, with the words ‘In God We Trust,’ on their vehicles or paying an additional fee to display a special tag of their choice.
As Senate convenes hearing, more than 300 faith leaders declare support for DC statehood
By Jack Jenkins — June 22, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘As faith leaders, we will stand, speak, and protest against the disenfranchisement of the residents of D.C.,’ the letter read.
Halimi and Oubaali: Boxing champions united by different faiths
By Joseph Hammond — June 22, 2021
(RNS) — Two French bantamweights, one Jewish, one Muslim, rode boxing from the edges of French society to international prominence.
Newly sanctified Tunisian cemetery for migrants filling fast
By Lori Hinnant and Mehdi El-arem — June 22, 2021
ZARZIS, Tunisia (AP) — Most of the headstones have dates but no names. Row after row of palest white, practically gleaming in the Mediterranean sun. The cemetery in Zarzis is nearly exactly as Rachid Koraïchi pictured it when he sketched his vision of the “Garden of Africa” that would be the final resting place for […]
Germany gets 1st military rabbi in over a century
By Associated Press — June 22, 2021
(AP) — The German government in 2019 approved a proposal by the Central Council of Jews to restore religious counseling for Jews serving in the armed forces.
Indian Hindus turn to honoring ‘corona goddess’ to quell pandemic
By Bhavya Dore — June 22, 2021
(RNS) — India has a history of worshipping female divinities during times of disease outbreaks. There have been goddesses of plague, smallpox and cholera through the past centuries.
Judge tosses most claims over clearing protesters in DC park
By Michael Balsamo — June 22, 2021
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a 51-page decision, the judge did allow the claims against the Metropolitan Police Department and the Arlington Police Department — their officers were involved in clearing the park — to proceed.
Ben Zobrist, World Series hero for the Cubs, sues former pastor for alleged affair with his wife
By Bob Smietana — June 21, 2021
(RNS) — The former major leaguer, who co-authored a book on faith and family with his wife, says his former pastor betrayed his trust and cost him millions.
President Biden pledges support for Rev. Barber’s campaign to end poverty
By Yonat Shimron — June 21, 2021
(RNS) — In a prerecorded two-minute video, Biden said he supported some of the issues central to the Poor People’s Campaign, including a $15 minimum wage.
For one LA Catholic church, meeting indoors is ‘historic’ after wave of COVID-19 deaths
By Alejandra Molina — June 21, 2021
SAN GABRIEL, Calif. (RNS) — A church that held a funeral a week during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic tentatively comes together in person again.
How Pope Francis and Vatican activists helped rein in Big Oil on climate change
By Claire Giangravé — June 21, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Young entrepreneurs inspired by Pope Francis’ environmental message are taking on Big Oil.
Lutheran World Federation elects first female general secretary to lead global communion
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 21, 2021
(RNS) — In addition to being the first woman, the Rev. Anne Burghardt's election makes her the first pastor from Central and Eastern Europe to lead the LWF.
Pope on Myanmar: Houses of worship serve as neutral refuge
By Associated Press — June 21, 2021
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Sunday decried the suffering of refugees in Myanmar and pleaded that houses of worship be respected as neutral places to take shelter.
Israel launches official probe into deadly festival stampede
By Associated Press — June 21, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the commission would investigate major safety shortcomings that led to a deadly stampede at Lag Baomer celebrations on Mount Meron.
An architect of European unity moves ahead on sainthood path
By Frances D'emilio — June 21, 2021
(AP) — Schuman, whom the Catholic Church calls 'a man of faith', died in 1963 after serving as the first president of the forerunner of the European Parliament.
