World

A new Anne Frank Center aims to reshape racism through Holocaust education

By Yonat Shimron — September 15, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. (RNS) — The German-Dutch diarist is being memorialized in the heart of the South as part of an educational effort to stem not only hatred of Jews, but bigotry, discrimination and racism more broadly.

Manny Pacquiao sues popular Filipino pastor in libel case

By Joseph Hammond — September 15, 2021

(RNS) — The Filipino boxer and politician is fending off accusations that he profited from a sports center project.

It’s time at last for an ethical conversation about Afghanistan

By Jim Wallis — September 15, 2021

(RNS) — What have 20 years of war done to our values?

Pope Francis addresses the Communion ban: ‘I have never denied the Eucharist to anyone!’

By Claire Giangravé — September 15, 2021

(RNS) — Pope Francis said bishops must avoid aligning themselves ‘with political life’ and be shepherds instead.

Kenyan Anglican province defies moratorium to ordain woman bishop

By Fredrick Nzwili — September 15, 2021

NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The Rev. Rose Okeno was installed as bishop of the Butere Diocese on Sunday, even as a 2018 moratorium of the Global Anglican Future Conference resolved to halt the consecration of women into the episcopate until a consensus is reached.

Former US presidents, religious leaders launch organization to aid Afghan evacuees

By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 14, 2021

(RNS) — Welcome.US provides a single point of entry for Americans to donate to frontline organizations, host arriving families through Airbnb and find other ways to help Afghans as they rebuild their lives in the United States after fleeing the Taliban.

Pope calls on world to welcome refugees and immigrants

By Thomas Reese — September 14, 2021

(RNS) — During his visit to Hungary and Slovakia, Pope Francis was at his prophetic best, standing up for refugees who have been bloodied by war, starved by famine and displaced by persecution.

In Slovakia, Pope Francis urges courage in young generations

By Claire Giangravé — September 14, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In impassioned speeches in Slovakia, Pope Francis urged young people to not give into pessimism and instead strive to achieve their dreams.

China is quietly using Afghanistan to strengthen its authoritarian agenda

By David Curry — September 14, 2021

(Open Doors) — We are being given a rare glimpse of the immeasurable human cost incurred when authoritarianism is allowed to spread unimpeded.

Korean pastor David Yonggi Cho, founder of one of the world’s largest churches, has died

By Bob Smietana — September 14, 2021

(RNS) — Cho, who preached a Korean version of the prosperity gospel, remained a beloved figure even after being convicted of embezzlement.

Blocked from serving their church, Catholic women push for female deacons

By Yonat Shimron — September 14, 2021

(RNS) — There is growing momentum to restore women to the diaconate, which would allow women to serve as Catholic chaplains in prisons, hospitals and other settings.

Pope Francis seeks to set misunderstanding with Jews aside during papal trip

By Claire Giangravé — September 13, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis met with Jewish communities in Hungary and Slovakia to promote fraternity and peace between the two religions.

Taliban: Women can study in gender-segregated universities

By Kathy Gannon — September 13, 2021

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory, the Taliban government's new higher education minister said Sunday.