Religion HubThe Religion Hub is a feature of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative – a collaborative effort of Religion News Service, the Associated Press and The Conversation US. Made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Pope to lawmakers: Climate change requires quick consensus

By Frances D'emilio — October 11, 2021

The pope addressed parliamentarians who were in Rome for a preparatory meeting before the U.N's annual climate conference, which begins in Glasgow, Scotland, on Oct. 31.

Colorado woman who won’t get vaccinated denied transplant

By Patty Nieberg — October 8, 2021

Even though she has stage 5 kidney disease that puts her at risk of dying without a new kidney, Lutali, 56, said she could not agree to be vaccinated because of the role that fetal cell lines have played in the development of vaccines.

‘Truth and Healing Commission’ could help Native American communities traumatized by government-run boarding schools that tried to destroy Indian culture

By David R. M. Beck — October 8, 2021

(The Conversation) — For Indigenous Peoples Day, a scholar of Native American studies explains why understanding the tragic history of Indian boarding schools is important for healing to take place.

Biden restores Bears Ears, other monuments cut by Trump

By Matthew Daly — October 8, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday restored two sprawling national monuments in Utah, reversing a decision by President Donald Trump that opened for mining and other development hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged lands sacred to Native Americans and home to ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante […]

Caring for the environment has a long Catholic lineage – hundreds of years before Pope Francis

By Joanne M. Pierce — October 8, 2021

(The Conversation) — Environmentalism may seem like a new mindset, especially in the Church. But care for creation has been woven into Catholicism for centuries.

IS bomber kills 46 inside Afghan mosque, challenges Taliban

By Tameem Akhgar — October 8, 2021

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Islamic State suicide bomber struck at a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 46 people and wounding dozens in the latest security challenge to the Taliban as they transition from insurgency to governance. In its claim of responsibility, the region’s IS affiliate […]

Merkel meets pope and receives farewell tribute from Draghi

By Associated Press — October 7, 2021

Merkel herself has called this her farewell bilateral trip to Italy as chancellor, and her unusually long 45-minute papal audience and glowing tribute from Draghi indicated her Roman counterparts wanted to pay their respects, too.

The Catholic Church sex abuse crisis: 4 essential reads

By Molly Jackson — October 7, 2021

(The Conversation) — A French report on the scale of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy is the latest revelation in the crisis, but its roots go back decades – or more. Here are a few of our many related articles.

Mural of South Africa’s Desmond Tutu is fixed for his 90th

By Andrew Meldrum — October 7, 2021

The mural enlivens a wall of the Rainbow Academy which offers training to young artists from disadvantaged communities.

Vaccine mandate for NYC educators survives court challenge

By Karen Matthews — October 6, 2021

New York City's vaccination mandate for school staff survived a court challenge Tuesday while hospitals across the state reported few disruptions to their services due to the vaccine requirement for health care workers.

South Africa’s Desmond Tutu turns 90 amid new racist slur

By Andrew Meldrum — October 6, 2021

The painting of a racial slur on his portrait in Cape Town last month highlights the importance and relevance of his work for equality.

Is social distancing unraveling the bonds that keep society together?

By Ilana Horwitz — October 6, 2021

(The Conversation) — The relationships that people form with others outside of their homes can translate into crucial help in a disaster. But what happens if they can’t build those ties because of social distancing?

NIH head Collins steps down, led fight against cancer, COVID

By Dino Hazell — October 5, 2021

Collins said he was ‘grateful and proud of the NIH staff and the scientific community, whose extraordinary commitment to lifesaving research delivers hope to the American people and the world every day.’

EU unveils strategy to tackle rising antisemitism in Europe

By Associated Press — October 5, 2021

According to Europe’s Fundamental Rights Agency, nine out of 10 Jews consider that antisemitism has increased in their country and is a serious problem. More than one in three people have considered emigrating to escape the abuse.