News
Catholic bishops who want to deny Biden Communion may have to reckon with the pope
By Jack Jenkins and Claire Giangravé — May 5, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When polled in November 2020, most Catholics opposed denying Communion to politicians simply because they support abortion rights.
Man charged in San Gabriel Mission blaze that destroyed rooftop of historic church
By Alejandra Molina — May 4, 2021
SAN GABRIEL, Calif. (RNS) — John David Corey faces two felony counts of arson of an inhabited structure and one count each of arson during a state of emergency, first-degree residential burglary and possession of flammable material, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says.
Tree of Life names renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to design synagogue complex
By Yonat Shimron — May 4, 2021
(RNS) — Libeskind, the architect behind such high-profile designs as New York’s ground zero site plan and Berlin’s Jewish Museum, is the son of Holocaust survivors.
To break Ramadan fast, many Muslims turn to apricot drink with ‘lunar’ name
By Joseph Hammond — May 4, 2021
(RNS) — In the Arab world, an apricot juice drink known as Qamar al-Din, or ‘moon of the religion,’ satisfies the requirements for breaking the daily fast.
United Methodist pastor’s podcast ‘Cross Over Q’ challenges QAnon, comforts its victims
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 4, 2021
(RNS) — In the first episode of his podcast, Vicar Derek Kubilus describes QAnon as ‘the most violent and dangerous Christian heresy to come along this century.’
Biden raises refugee ceiling, and faith-based groups brace for rebuilding work
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — ‘The sad truth is that we will not achieve 62,500 admissions this year,’ the president said in his announcement. ‘We are working quickly to undo the damage of the last four years.’
As COVID-19 swamps India, decision to allow Kumbh Mela’s crowds is scrutinized
By Bhavya Dore — May 3, 2021
MUMBAI (RNS) — As COVID-19 infections rise, the local and national governments' decision to allow the Kumbh Mela is being scrutinized as a sign of the BJP-led government favoring Hindu beliefs over safety.
Jerry Falwell Jr. cancels Liberty graduation party at family farm due to health concerns
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — Falwell said canceling the party was 'a major disappointment to us since we wanted to celebrate the success of the graduating students and show them our appreciation.'
Abraham Joshua Heschel was a spiritual radical. A new documentary shows he’s more timely than ever
By Yonat Shimron — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — A Polish-born Jew from a long line of Hasidic rabbis, he immigrated to America in 1940 and quickly rose to become a leading public intellectual — a civil rights crusader, a champion of interfaith dialogue and an opponent of the Vietnam War.
Through an app, a group of Latin American nuns tracks mental illness across the US
By Alejandra Molina — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts — especially among the Latino immigrant community — were common themes the nuns were encountering in their ministry.
Bob Abernethy, host and founder of ‘Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly,’ dies at 93
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — ‘It has been a great privilege to report the many ways people of faith worship and serve others,’ he said as the show concluded.
Israeli watchdog to investigate deadly festival stampede
By Associated Press — May 3, 2021
(AP) — The tragedy brought renewed attention to Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, where many have flouted coronavirus restrictions over the past year.
Vaccinated faithful throng Jerusalem church for Holy Fire
By Associated Press — May 2, 2021
(RNS) — The scene at the church was a stark contrast to last year's, when only a handful of religious leaders held the centuries-old ceremony in a near-empty setting enforced by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of Andrew Brown Jr’s funeral, North Carolina clergy cry out for justice
By Yonat Shimron — May 1, 2021
(RNS) — For North Carolina clergy, the killing of an unarmed Black man by law enforcement is personal.
Former reality star, Josh Duggar, arrested and charged with possession of child pornography, pleads not guilty
By Roxanne Stone — April 30, 2021
(RNS) — The conservative Christian and former star of '19 Kids and Counting' faces his latest sexual scandal.
