U.S.
In ‘Gospel’ docuseries, Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores Black church’s music, ministers
By Adelle M. Banks — February 9, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Gates reveals early tension within the genres as some musicians held to music only of faith and others were comfortable far afield from gospel music.
Once marginalized, New York’s Muslims celebrate growing political influence on Muslim Day
By Fiona André — February 8, 2024
(RNS) — Members of 12 Muslim organizations gathered with City Council members at City Hall to call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and denounce a surge in Islamophobia in the city related to the war.
What is Lunar New Year and how is it celebrated?
By Deepa Bharath — February 8, 2024
Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon
We need more Howard Thurman in our politics
By David B. Gowler — February 7, 2024
(RNS) — The theologian and often-overlooked civil rights hero would have warned us against politics as a zero-sum game.
Every week is World Interfaith Harmony Week for devotees of Swami Vivekananda
By Richa Karmarkar — February 7, 2024
(RNS) — As religious conflict and disharmony rage on elsewhere in the world, the interfaith teachings of Swami Vivekananda are evergreen to these devotees.
Muslim advocacy group denounces stabbing of 23-year-old Palestinian American
By Fiona André — February 7, 2024
(RNS) — The assault was ‘bias-motivated and will be reviewed by the Hate Crimes Review Committee,’ wrote the Austin Police Department in its statement.
In search of peace in the Holy Land
By Bridget Moix — February 7, 2024
(RNS) — Gaza is the epicenter, but a broader war was unfolding all around us.
Florida considers allowing volunteer chaplains in public schools
By Brendan Farrington — February 7, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The only requirements of a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website.
Chelsea Wolfe says witchcraft and sobriety informed her latest album
By Krysta Fauria — February 7, 2024
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Witchcraft’s influence has meant an increased attentiveness to letting each record “be what it wants to be,” the singer, songwriter and musician says.
Trump disqualification case has shaken up American civil religion
By Mark Silk — February 6, 2024
(RNS) — Liberals and conservatives have switched sides.
Conservative Nebraska lawmakers push bills that would intertwine religion with public education
By Margery A. Beck — February 6, 2024
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — These bills are part of a broader Republican push nationwide to target a variety of culture issues in education, including diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the type of books allowed in school libraries.
Jesuits in US bolster outreach initiative aimed at encouraging LGBTQ+ Catholics
By David Crary — February 6, 2024
NEW YORK (AP) — Pope Francis, a Jesuit who has met with Martin and sent letters of support to Outreach, has made clear he favors a more welcoming approach to LGBTQ+ people.
Orthodox Christian radio hosted a panel on female deacons. Then misogyny poured in.
By Meagan Saliashvili — February 5, 2024
(RNS) — Far from clarifying the question of women deacons, the episode added fuel to an already incendiary conversation about women's ordination and the role of women in the church in general.
How Hindu temples can become community pillars in a changing America
By Murali Balaji — February 5, 2024
(RNS) — Temples need to offer more to younger Hindus, whose practice values philosophy and spirituality over ritual.
A Tennessee teen has pleaded guilty in the slaying of a prominent United Methodist Church leader
By Adrian Sainz — February 5, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The daytime shooting shook United Methodist Church members in Memphis and elsewhere.
