U.S.
Latter-day Saints leader addresses congregants without a word on racial or LGBTQ+ issues
By Hannah Schoenbaum — April 8, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Russell M. Nelson announced the planned construction in a pre-recorded closing speech at the twice-annual Salt Lake City conference. It's traditionally watched by millions worldwide.
The fight against Hindu nationalism in the United States is multifaith, says a newly formed coalition
By Richa Karmarkar — April 5, 2024
(RNS) — A declaration from the newly formed coalition Savera: United Against Supremacy expressed the group's 'acute concern' of Hindu nationalism, which they say now 'finds itself in a deepening alliance with various facets of the American far-right.'
Catholic parishes disproportionately closed in poor, Black and Latino neighborhoods
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 5, 2024
(RNS) — Priest shortages have played a significant role in the decisions to close parishes.
For some Christians, a solar eclipse signals the second coming of Christ
By Eric Vanden Eykel — April 5, 2024
(The Conversation) — A scholar of early Christian literature writes that religious theories around celestial events are part of a larger human pattern to find meaning. And they go back thousands of years.
In 1877, a stained-glass window depicted Jesus as Black for the first time − a scholar of visual images unpacks its history and significance
By Virginia Raguin — April 5, 2024
(The Conversation) — A stained-glass window, which shows Jesus as a Black man for the first time, tells a story not only of race but of gender, class and ethnicity.
Thomas Gumbleton, Detroit Catholic bishop who opposed war and promoted social justice, dies at 94
By Ed White — April 5, 2024
DETROIT (AP) — Gumbleton became a national religious figure in the 1960s when he was urged by activist priests to oppose the U.S. role in the Vietnam War.
How Dev Patel got ‘Monkey Man,’ his directorial debut beset by challenges, to the finish line
By Sian Watson and Leslie Ambriz — April 5, 2024
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — “Monkey Man” was inspired by the legend of Hanuman — a Hindu deity revered for his strength, loyalty and courage.
Awe and dread: How religions have responded to total solar eclipses over the centuries
By David Crary, Mariam Fam, and Deepa Bharath — April 5, 2024
(AP) — Ahead of the total solar eclipse that will follow a long path over North America on Monday, here's a look at how several of the world's major religions have responded to such eclipses over the centuries and in modern times.
The peril radicalizing some evangelicals goes beyond Christian nationalism
By Matthew D. Taylor — April 4, 2024
(RNS) — Christian supremacists are plotting the end of America as we know it.
Churches look to eclipse as outreach opportunity
By Adelle M. Banks — April 4, 2024
(RNS) — ‘Science is part of God’s wonder,’ said one pastor. ‘And I think it’s good for us to celebrate that as Christians.’
Ahead of General Conference, queer United Methodist delegates organize a caucus
By Yonat Shimron — April 4, 2024
(RNS) — After a four-year COVID-19 delay, and the departure of about 25% of its U.S. churches, the United Methodist Church is meeting again and the issue of human sexuality is back on the agenda.
Biden faces protest over his support for Israel during White House meeting
By Chris Megerian — April 4, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — Several Muslim community leaders had refused invitations to break their fasts with the president, saying it would have been inappropriate at a time of famine in Gaza.
Spiritual libertarianism swatted down in Wisconsin
By Mark Silk — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — Conservative legal groups are trying to erase a distinction between religious employers and religious activity.
Katie Pruitt continues to probe life as a ‘recovering Catholic’ on new album
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — ‘Mantras,’ Pruitt’s sophomore album, explores the fraught nature of leaving one’s childhood religion.
Indian American lawmakers urge DOJ to address ‘alarming’ rise of Hindu temple vandalism
By Richa Karmarkar — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — Hindu advocates say the trend of temple vandalism points to a lack of an adequate response from law enforcement, which they blame on anti-Hindu bias.
