U.S.
Documentary about the murders of 3 Muslims explores religious hatred
By Yonat Shimron — February 19, 2024
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — '36 Seconds' examines the agonizing overnight pivot of the bereaved families as they move from shock over their loved ones' murders to advocacy for a hate crime conviction that never materialized.
Houston megachurch holds healing and thanksgiving service a week after deadly shooting
By Juan A. Lozano — February 19, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen's Lakewood Church has not had services since the Feb. 11 shooting that sent worshippers scrambling for safety.
New York Archdiocese denounces transgender activist’s funeral held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
By Brian P. D. Hannon — February 19, 2024
(AP) — The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York condemned the funeral of Cecilia Gentili, which was held in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and drew a large audience on Thursday.
African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel
By Adelle M. Banks — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — The statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7.
Trump’s language of evil
By Phyllis Zagano — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — A manner of speaking is infesting our politics that is insulting to both the subject and the listener.
New animated Bible series aims to reach post-reading generation
By Fiona André — February 15, 2024
(RNS) — Watching the iBible will appeal to digital natives more than reading Scripture, said Steve Cleary, the project’s creator.
The ‘death’ of the brain should not decide the fate of the body
By Avi Shafran — February 15, 2024
(RNS) — What is really driving the decision to say a life is over?
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.
