News
Is it safe to sing at church yet? Depends who you ask.
By Adelle M. Banks — May 25, 2021
(RNS) — A mix of musical expression is likely to continue as congregations navigate the ‘new normal’ of the continuing pandemic with some people fully vaccinated and some not.
One year after George Floyd’s murder, faith leaders continue the call for racial reckoning
By RNS staff — May 25, 2021
(RNS) — Clergy were often front and center in the year’s racial justice protests, and their clarion call not only to politicians but also to religious leaders sparked a racial reckoning within churches, synagogues and mosques.
Republicans and Democrats switch sides on religion vs. science
By Carol Kuruvilla — May 25, 2021
(RNS) — Mistrust of the scientific community is affecting the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. But research suggests the religion and science debate wasn’t always this divisive.
Vatican issues a street art stamp, ends up getting sued
By Nicole Winfield — May 25, 2021
ROME (AP) — One night in early 2019, Rome street artist Alessia Babrow glued a stylized image of Christ she had made onto a bridge near the Vatican. A year later, she was shocked to learn that the Vatican had apparently used a reproduction of the image, which featured Babrow’s hallmark heart emblazoned across Christ’s […]
Arab woman gets kidney from Jewish man killed in Israel riot
By Isaac Scharf — May 25, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — Randa Aweis, a 58-year-old mother of six, got one of Yigal Yehoshua’s kidneys after the 56-year-old man was killed in street violence in Lod.
Wheaton College rewords plaque calling Indigenous people in mission field ‘savage’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 24, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — The plaque honors missionaries Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian and Pete Fleming who were slain in 1956 while attempting to share their Christian faith with the Waorani people in Ecuador.
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago postpones consecration of bishop-elect after brain bleed
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 24, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — The delay will allow Clark to assume her role as bishop in 'the healthiest and most wholesome way,' according to Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
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.
