Spiritual Exemplars
Young Colombian activist brings light to the displaced communities
By Magdalena Rojo — September 30, 2022
(RNS) — Jenifer Colpas Fernández had to leave her native Colombia to recognize its problems — and to see that there were solutions.
Calling on saints and spiritual guides, activist advocates for Armenia’s vulnerable women
By Priyadarshini Sen — August 23, 2022
What’s behind the enduring popularity of crystals?
By Joseph P. Laycock — July 6, 2022
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In Oaxaca, Indigenous farmers mourn Catholic activist who championed their rights and rituals
By Magdalena Rojo — February 16, 2022
(RNS) — Carmen Santiago Alonso showed that ‘an Indigenous church and the church with a feminine spirit is possible,’ said a Catholic priest at her funeral.
In a Maoist-impacted region of India, an Indigenous activist continues to fight in memory of the children she couldn’t save
By Priyadarshini Sen — August 12, 2021
DELHI, India (RNS) — ‘In this land of fire and gunshots we have to keep fighting this ideological war against state repression and Maoist violence,’ said Indigenous activist Soni Sori.
Modi silent on Muslim philanthropist’s offer of medical supplies for India
By Priyadarshini Sen — May 24, 2021
NEW DELHI (RNS) — Modi once called on South Asian countries to 'chalk out a strong strategy to fight the coronavirus,' but his plans have foundered on mistrust and hostility between Pakistan and India.
Humanitarian Day reborn, Umar Hakim celebrates Ramadan his way
By Rhonda Roumani — April 30, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Humanitarian Day embodies why Islam is relevant in America today,’ said a Black Muslim activist of Hakim’s signature event.
Faith leaders pair with health officials to save India’s largest slum from COVID-19
By Priyadarshini Sen — December 1, 2020
(RNS) — The densely populated shantytown was the most vulnerable spot for the virus to spread, but Dharavi’s rate of infection is down to 11 cases a day.
A Catholic priest takes on interfaith fight against COVID-19 in a sacred Hindu city
By Priyadarshini Sen — September 21, 2020
(RNS) — Though anchored in Christianity, Mathew draws from a broad swath of spiritual traditions to reach his fellow citizens, including Mahatma Gandhi's ideas of cosmic consciousness.
Hong Kong issues warrant for Samuel Chu, an American citizen, activist and pastor’s son
By Kevin Douglas Grant — August 26, 2020
(RNS) — The arrest warrant caught the attention of American officials concerned about Chinese imposition of authoritarian rule in Hong Kong.
Masue Katayama: Changing nursing care industry in Japan with kindness
By Magdalena Rojo — August 20, 2020
(RNS) — Inspired by her Catholic faith, the ‘social entrepreneur’ is not only one of Japan’s few female CEOs but one of the most innovative providers of elderly care in the world.
Faith, hope and creative destruction: religious responses to COVID-19
By Donald E. Miller — July 16, 2020
(RNS) — The better angels of our common humanity are finding voice. In our vulnerability, we are searching for a new moral foundation.
India’s pioneering transgender activist defends gains in pandemic
By Priyadarshini Sen — July 7, 2020
(RNS) — After helping win a landmark court case for India’s transgender people, Ranjita Sinha has mobilized to counter the community’s drastic loss of jobs and health care during the coronavirus pandemic.
France’s ‘hip’ female rabbi draws Muslims, Christians and Jews in a time of crisis
By Julia Lieblich and Luc Vachez — June 29, 2020
(RNS) — One of only four female rabbis in France, Delphine Horvilleur calls herself a storyteller, and one who believes that ‘God has a good sense of humor.’
In Togo, a Catholic nun fights COVID-19 for the sake of her AIDS patients
By Clément Girardot — June 19, 2020
(RNS) — ‘Here, people won’t die from COVID-19 but mostly from its consequences,’ said Sister Marie Stella Kouak, a Catholic nun whose AIDS relief program has seen costs rise as funding dries up.
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