U.S.
Here’s the latest on the investigation into the shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano and Jim Vertuno — February 15, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — The shooting is one of many that have involved shooters who legally obtained guns despite criminal history and mental health problems.
Lenten cease-fire campaign includes Ash Wednesday Mass outside White House
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 14, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘As there’s ashes on our head, there’s also blood on our hands because we cannot exempt ourselves from what this country is doing,’ said the Rev. Graylan Hagler, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.
A Jane Austen Lent: Archdeacon explores the novelist’s spiritual lessons
By Kathryn Post — February 14, 2024
(RNS) — Rachel Mann’s latest book, ‘A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 40 Days With Jane Austen,’ pairs excerpts from Austen’s novels with reflections on virtues and vices.
This Lent, take up some practices that counter the worst of our politics
By Michael Wear — February 14, 2024
(RNS) — Yes, we have to go through this presidential campaign season. Here’s a way to do it better.
How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny
By Jim Vertuno and Juan A. Lozano — February 14, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Police did not say whether the AR-15 was purchased retail, which would have required a background check if bought from a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a private sale, which would not.
Our Lady of Guadalupe documentary to run in theaters across the US
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 14, 2024
(RNS) — The documentary features dramatized scenes of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions and interviews with those impacted by her, including Archbishop José Gomez.
Peace pilgrimage takes up war in Gaza as a civil rights issue
By Yonat Shimron — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — Many Black Americans view the Palestinian cause in the context of the African American experience of oppression. This has on occasion strained relations with American Jews.
An odd couple of Jewish organizations unite to help migrants during cold nights
By Fiona André — February 13, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — By combining efforts, two Jewish organizations have provided hundreds of migrants with coats, blankets and hot food this winter.
Reluctant pastor’s son to most-viewed preacher: Shooting puts new spotlight on Joel Osteen
By Ben Finley — February 13, 2024
(AP) — The 60-year-old regularly preaches to about 45,000 people a week in a former basketball arena and he's known to millions more through his television sermons.
Super Bowl religion ads are a blast from the past
By Mark Silk — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — The ads from three sectors of American faith harked back to when faith played a peacemaking role.
Antisemitism and safety fears surge among US Jews, survey finds
By Tiffany Stanley — February 13, 2024
(AP) — The American Jewish Committee, a prominent advocacy organization, conducted the survey last fall just as the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7. The number of American Jews who say they feel less secure in the U.S. jumped 22% from last year’s survey.
A shooter opened fire in a Houston church. Gunfire has also scarred other Texas places of worship
By Jim Vertuno — February 13, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police identified the shooter as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36. Authorities said Moreno's 7-year-old son, who the shooter brought into the church, was shot in the head and critically injured.
What to know about a shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano — February 12, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen said the violence could have been worse if the shooting had happened during the earlier and larger late Sunday morning service.
Dexter Scott King remembered during memorial as keeper of his father Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream
By Mark Thiessen — February 12, 2024
The memorial service for Dexter King was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where his father once was pastor.
Sheriff says suspect ‘is down’ after shooting at Joel Osteen’s Texas megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano — February 11, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Lakewood Church had earlier posted on social media there was an ‘active situation involving shots fired’ at one of the largest megachurches in the U.S. during its typically busy Sunday services.
