Other Faiths
Parsis in Mumbai fight existential decline in aspirants to priesthood
By Priyadarshini Sen — November 14, 2023
MUMBAI, India (RNS) — With steadily declining numbers, some of India’s Zoroastrians are looking to reduce the strain of becoming a priest in order to encourage more young men to devote themselves to the rituals that sustain the world’s first monotheistic religion.
Pope Francis to join other clergy at first ‘Faith Pavilion’ at climate summit
By Adelle M. Banks — November 9, 2023
(RNS) — ‘This demonstrates the significance of the interfaith movement in helping to tackle the climate emergency,’ said one faith leader about the pavilion.
What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and how is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?
By Deepa Bharath — November 9, 2023
(AP) — It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and the diaspora.
Documentary on Black millennials depicts wide range of religion, rebellion
By Adelle M. Banks — October 24, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We show the pluralistic nature of the African American religious experience,’ said creator Teddy Reeves, ‘from those who are of some formal faith tradition to those who are not.’
My friend’s inspiring life was a reminder: We need to see each other’s humanity
By Greg M. Epstein — October 23, 2023
(RNS) — It's natural to retreat into our own pain and fear, and to stay there. But then none of us gets the world we long for and deserve.
A congressman’s ‘Dharma Caucus’ stirs suspicion for Hindu and Sikh organizations
By Richa Karmarkar — October 18, 2023
(RNS) — The joint statement echoes a growing trend among some Hindu Americans who are concerned with the American political courtship of members of the Bharatiya Janata Party of India — a political party they say has contributed to a rise in oppression of religious minorities.
What ancient Greek stories of humans transformed into plants can teach us about fragility and resilience
By Marie-Claire Beaulieu — October 9, 2023
(The Conversation) — Stories in Greek mythology on the cycle of nature showing youth, death and rejuvenation can have lessons for us today on how grief changes over time and transforms who we are as people.
In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition
By Mari Yamaguchi — October 9, 2023
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has a long history of pragmatism about traditional religions, which often serve more as connections to family and community than as theological guides, as in the West.
Survey: US religious groups do not view climate change as a crisis
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2023
(RNS) — Among white evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis actually dropped — from 13% in 2014 to 8% today.
‘Am I going to feel anything?’: Young Zoroastrians reconnect with their faith
By Tori Luecking — October 3, 2023
(RNS) — Looking to ensure a future for the aging, mostly immigrant Zoroastrian community, the faith’s leaders in the United States are rallying young Zoroastrians to make friendships across demographic lines and rediscover their spiritual heritage.
In Starfield, players choose their own adventure — and religion
By Bob Smietana — September 28, 2023
(RNS) — In a major new video game, players can search for enlightenment while exploring the stars.
The story of Emmett Till is the story of America
By Robert P. Jones — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — If we trace the historical stream further back, we can see, in Emmett Till’s story, America’s oldest struggles. Indeed, the land itself testifies to the cultural world in which Till’s murder was conceivable.
Harvard Divinity School selects first Black woman as dean
By Yonat Shimron — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — Marla Frederick, a professor of religion and culture at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, will succeed David Hempton, who has served as dean since 2012.
Faith leaders call for repentance and spiritual reformation to address climate change
By Bob Smietana — August 17, 2023
(RNS) — At the Parliament of the World’s Religions, faith leaders held a ceremony to repent for failing to care for the Earth.
A religious calling to protect democracy
By Chris Crawford — August 16, 2023
(RNS) — Most religious doctrines do not require an embrace of democracy. But in today’s world, authoritarians are attempting to do the opposite — to recruit communities of faith to undermine democracy.
