News
Pope arrives in Iraq to rally Christians despite pandemic
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — March 5, 2021
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's foreign minister said Iraqis were eager to welcome Francis' 'message of peace and tolerance' and described the visit as a historic meeting between the 'minaret and the bells.'
Being ‘godless’ might be good for your health, new study finds
By Bob Smietana — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Several new studies are challenging the idea that being an atheist leads to poor health.
ELCA leaders call on Congress to pass US Citizenship Act of 2021 in new letter
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America threw their support behind what they called ‘fair and compassionate transformations to our nation’s broken immigration system.’
This rabbi got Kentucky to adopt an anti-Semitism resolution. But not all Jews are happy.
By Yonat Shimron — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Rabbi Shlomo Litvin said the resolution may stanch a wave of anti-Semitic incidents in Lexington, Kentucky. Critics worry it could be used to silence free speech by those who criticize Israel.
‘The Witch of Kings Cross’ finds the woman behind the scandal
By Antonio Pagliarulo — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Norton is a figure who may offer a few lessons for society today, when radical personalities and movements abound.
Brian Houston apologizes for Hillsong NYC’s ‘failings,’ promises whistleblower policy
By Paul O'Donnell — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — ‘On behalf of the Global Board and as Global Senior Pastor, I accept responsibility for these failings and apologize unreservedly,’ Houston wrote in an email addressed to ‘Dear Church.’
MPAC Hollywood Awards to feature ‘The Mauritanian’
By Joseph Hammond — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — 'The Mauritanian' is based on the true story of former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who spent 14 years in the prison facility before his release.
Faith leaders urge clemency for Okla. death row inmate, cite mounting evidence
By Adelle M. Banks — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — ‘I have spent the past twenty years on death row for a crime I did not commit,’ Julius Jones wrote in his commutation application.
Pope Francis’ encyclical now available in Russian thanks to Muslim translators
By Claire Giangravé — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — It is not uncommon for papal encyclicals to be translated into multiple languages, including Russian, but they are rarely recognized officially by the Vatican.
Catholic nun’s kneeling protest in Myanmar praised as ‘model for church leaders’
By Claire Giangravé — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — A Catholic nun kneeling in front of government troops in Myanmar became a symbol of democratic resistance after a military coup seized the country last month.
Facing changing spirituality on campus, historic chaplain groups merge
By Paul Brandeis Raushenbush — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — The merger is a response to increasing diversification of spiritual life at American schools, with students, faculty and staff pursuing not only a wider range of faiths but also no faith at all.
As Sister Simone Campbell leaves Network, she reflects on a career in Washington
By Jack Jenkins — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — 'I think a sign that it's the right time is that it's kind of exciting,' Sister Simone Campbell said. 'I’m excited to see what it will do next.'
After Ravi Zacharias report, Christians examine how to avoid ‘betrayal blindness’
By Bob Smietana — March 3, 2021
(RNS) — Why does it take so long for religious groups to admit the truth about their leaders?
US bishops discourage Catholics from getting Johnson & Johnson vaccine if given a choice
By Jack Jenkins — March 2, 2021
(RNS) — 'If one has the ability to choose a vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines should be chosen over Johnson & Johnson’s,' the statement read.
Dozens of houses of worship, one DC street, a 9-year photo project
By Adelle M. Banks — March 2, 2021
(RNS) — People at the first church ‘were so welcoming that it kind of got our project off to a happy start,’ said one photographer.
