News
Ole Anthony, longtime critic of prosperity gospel televangelists and head of Trinity Foundation, dies at 82
By Bob Smietana — April 18, 2021
(RNS) — Anthony came to fame after his investigation of televangelist Robert Tilton was featured on ABC News' Prime Time Live program.
Somber, deeply Anglican funeral honors Prince Philip for his service and devotion
By Paul O'Donnell — April 17, 2021
(RNS) — Hewing closely to the traditional Anglican funeral liturgy, the service's hymns and readings reflected Philip's service in the Royal Navy and his environmental work, with only a nod to his Greek Orthodox beginnings.
Lecrae, Bieber appear at prison events as ministries return to correctional facilities
By Emily McFarlan Miller, Maina Mwaura, and Adelle M. Banks — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — Some of the first to return to prison ministry have been high-profile Christians like Lecrae, Justin Bieber and Churchome pastor Judah Smith.
Photos of the Week: Ramadan begins, Notre Dame fire anniversary
By Kit Doyle — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes the start of Ramadan, the second anniversary of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and more.
Biden reverses course on refugee cap after faith groups express outrage
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — April 16, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — "As a Christian, I’m reminded I should never have, as the psalmist said, put my ‘trust in princes,’" said Matthew Soerens, U.S. director of church mobilization and advocacy at the evangelical Christian refugee resettlement agency World Relief.
African Americans attend church, Bible study more than others, but Black ‘nones’ increasing
By Adelle M. Banks — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — Gen Zers are both the most likely to call themselves 'religious but not spiritual' and the least likely to say they are 'spiritual but not religious.'
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny denied access to a Quran in prison
By Joseph Hammond — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — 'I made a list of ways I wanted to improve myself that I will try to complete in jail. One of the points was to deeply study and understand the Quran,' Navalny said in an Instagram post. He is threatening to sue Russian authorities over access to Islam’s holy book.
From the filibuster to DC statehood, clergy rally around a growing voting rights agenda
By Jack Jenkins — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — "I hear Jesus saying to America: 'I was hungry and you filibustered,’" said the Rev. Freddy D. Haynes.
Israel criticized for silencing call to prayer from Al-Aqsa Mosque
By Daoud Kuttab — April 16, 2021
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — The move reportedly came after the agency that oversees Jerusalem’s holy sites refused to voluntarily turn off loudspeakers for a ceremony at the Western Wall.
Liberty University sues former President Jerry Falwell Jr. for $10 million, citing conspiracy, breach of contract
By Bob Smietana — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — Liberty University claims its former president failed to live up to the school's moral code.
Study: Multiracial Methodist churches draw and keep more people than their white counterparts
By Yonat Shimron — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — The 6.6 million-member United Methodist Church is predominantly white. But its racially diverse congregations are faring better than white churches at a time when the denomination as a whole is experiencing declining attendance.
Former employee sues Dave Ramsey’s company for alleged religious discrimination, ‘cult-like’ atmosphere
By Bob Smietana — April 15, 2021
(RNS) — The lawsuit claims employees have to submit to Ramsey as a spiritual leader and agree with his views on COVID-19, with no questions allowed.
In Los Angeles, a pair of art exhibitions centers the Black worship experience
By Alejandra Molina — April 15, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Through sculptures, paintings, video and performances, the artists explore the impact of Black Pentecostalism drawing 'upon the choreography and sonics of possession found in Black spirituality.'
Pope Francis criticizes ‘paternalism’ of populist politicians
By Claire Giangravé — April 15, 2021
(RNS) — The video message was delivered to participants at an international online conference, 'A Politics Rooted in the People,' and included Catholic groups in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom.
Formerly incarcerated, this Unitarian Universalist minister is dedicated to abolishing prisons
By Lyra Walsh Fuchs — April 15, 2021
(RNS) — His ministry may have been born in prison, but Jason Lydon wants to see a society where prisons no longer exist. That dream is connected to his theology, he says.
