News
Two years after Pittsburgh shooting, solemn anniversary marked online
By Yonat Shimron — October 27, 2020
(RNS) — Public commemorations of the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, which killed 11 Pittsburgh Jews, will be livestreamed.
1,000-plus faith leaders call for ‘free and fair election’
By Elana Schor — October 27, 2020
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 1,000 clergy members, religious scholars and other faith-based advocates have signed onto a unique statement that supports a comprehensive path to “a free and fair election” and urges leaders to heed the verdict of “legitimate election results” regardless of who wins in November.
‘Well known pastor’ arrested on flight not a pastor, says Charlotte church
By Bob Smietana — October 27, 2020
(RNS) — The wife of a North Carolina pastor accused of disorderly conduct during a flight from Las Vegas to Detroit says he had a bad reaction to sleeping medication.
Sean Feucht’s ‘finale’ worship protest on the National Mall included more politics than usual
By Jack Jenkins — October 26, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Christian musician Sean Feucht's 'finale' concert for his worship protest tour was in D.C. Sunday and the event quickly shifted to a celebration for the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court.
North Carolina Pentecostal church ordered to close after coronavirus outbreak
By Yonat Shimron — October 26, 2020
(RNS) — An abatement order was issued for the United House of Prayer for All People after an outbreak of COVID-19 led to more than 121 cases and at least three deaths.
Ismaili, Ahmadi Muslims push national voter registration efforts
By Aysha Khan — October 26, 2020
(RNS) — Voter mobilization efforts in US Muslim communities have long been characterized and led by Sunni institutions and figures. That's starting to change.
White Christian America built a faith-based safety net. What happens when it’s gone?
By Bob Smietana — October 26, 2020
(RNS) — Faith groups are quick to lend a hand when disaster strikes. But with organized religion fading, who will pick up the slack?
Pope names 13 new cardinals, includes Washington DC Archbishop Gregory
By Frances D'Emilio — October 25, 2020
(AP) — In the surprise announcement, made from his studio window to faithful standing below in St. Peter's Square, Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal's rank in a ceremony on Nov. 28.
Attorneys for John MacArthur denounce headlines reporting a church outbreak of COVID-19 cases
By Alejandra Molina — October 23, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Jenna Ellis, attorney for John MacArthur and Grace Community Church, in a statement said the cases shouldn't be characterized as an 'outbreak.'
Trump, confirmed a Presbyterian, now identifies as ‘non-denominational Christian’
By Jack Jenkins and Maina Mwaura — October 23, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A rare exchange about religion-related matters with a president who, while allying closely with evangelical Christian leaders, has spoken little about his own faith.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — October 23, 2020
(RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes a variety of Hindu festivals in India, Nepal and Indonesia, a mourning vigil in Washington, D.C., and more.
In Disney’s ‘Clouds,’ Justin Baldoni makes a teen cancer movie about joy
By Paul O'Donnell — October 23, 2020
(RNS) — Justin Baldoni, best known for his role on the CW's 'Jane the Virgin', has modeled his career of late around Western culture's allergy to talking about death.
COVID-19, food crisis give new life to ancient practice of gleaning
By Elizabeth E. Evans — October 23, 2020
(RNS) — In recent years, gleaning has made a comeback as a solution to the problems of persistent hunger and the lack of fresh produce options.
‘Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden’ signers face a fiery blowback
By Mark I. Pinsky — October 23, 2020
ORLANDO (RNS) — After Joel Hunter recently announced support for former Vice President Joe Biden, a local Christian radio station cancelled Hunter’s devotionals, hosts withdrew (or postponed) speaking invitations and a social media hostility barrage erupted.
How Amy Coney Barrett could change the Supreme Court’s balance on religious liberty
By Jack Jenkins — October 22, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Micah Schwartzman, a professor at University of Virginia School of Law, said Barrett could end up furthering an understanding of the First Amendment he finds ‘quite disturbing.’
