News
Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 12, 2021
(RNS) — Author Tea Krulos talked to Religion News Service about how conspiracy theories have spread, how religion plays a role and how to talk to friends and family who believe them.
Liberty University sues governor over financial aid changes
By Sarah Rankin — January 11, 2021
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The suit accuses Gov. Ralph Northam's administration of wrongfully denying financial aid to some of the evangelical school's online students.
Cardinal Parolin asked Vatican bank for loan to exit troubling London realty deal
By Claire Giangravé — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said he intended to use the loan to pay off a mortgage on the property that was weighing heavily on the Vatican coffers.
Samaritan’s Purse field hospitals much in demand as COVID case counts rise
By Yonat Shimron — January 11, 2021
LENOIR, N.C. (RNS) — The evangelical humanitarian relief organization has trained healthcare workers or treated COVID-19 patients in 30 countries. Its latest field hospital is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died of COVID-19
By Claire Giangravé — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — Soccorsi was being treated for cancer at a Rome hospital when he contracted COVID-19, according to reports.
Pope Francis opens a small but significant door for women in the Church
By Claire Giangravé — January 11, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope made clear, however, that the change is not a step toward women's ordination.
Trump-supporting Christian leaders and their Sunday messages
By Mariam Fam, Elana Schor, and David Crary — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — While some preachers were defiant, one pastor said, ‘We must repent for making the person who occupies the White House more important than the one who occupies our hearts.’
Pope says women can read at Mass, but still can’t be priests
By Nicole Winfield — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — Francis amended the law to formalize and institutionalize what is common practice in many parts of the world.
Pope Francis calls for unity after ‘shocking’ Capitol attack
By Claire Giangravé — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — 'Nothing is earned through violence, and everything is lost,' the pontiff said, offering prayers for the five people who lost their lives during the protests.
Anti-abortion faith leaders support use of COVID-19 vaccines
By David Crary — January 10, 2021
(AP) — One outspoken foe of abortion based in Dallas, Southern Baptist megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress, has called the vaccines a "present from God."
How House chaplain calmed tense hours in besieged Capitol with prayers for ‘God’s covering’
By Jack Jenkins — January 9, 2021
(RNS) — As a mob overtook the Capitol and the work of lawmakers ground to a halt, Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben's work began in earnest.
Photos of the Week: U.S. Capitol breached; Orthodox Christmas
By Kit Doyle — January 9, 2021
(RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes breaching of the U.S. Capitol, Orthodox Christmas, Epiphany and more.
Southern Baptist leaders meet after critical race theory document caused controversy
By Adelle M. Banks — January 8, 2021
(RNS) — African American leaders and seminary presidents said they had an ‘honest and open conversation’ during the virtual meeting earlier in the week.
Prominent bishop of AME Zion Church suspended, faces financial accusations
By Adelle M. Banks — January 8, 2021
(RNS) — A longtime ecumenical leader, Powell has been ordered to not represent the AME Zion Church in civic or ecumenical organizations.
Court blocks Trump executive order allowing state and local officials to refuse refugees
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 8, 2021
(RNS) — President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office in less than two weeks, has expressed support for rebuilding the U.S. refugee program.
