Faiths By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020 By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020 By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020 By Michael D. McNallyA court win for Standing Rock gives new life to defenders of sacred land(RNS) — A federal judge’s call for an environmental study may not stop oil from flowing, but it brings some vindication for indigenous people’s fight to protect the sacred, in the courts and on the ground.April 1, 2020 Faiths . CHRISTIANITY JUDAISM BUDDHISM ISLAM HINDUISM SIKHISM Unaffiliated/Atheism ALTERNATIVE FAITHS Other Faiths By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020 By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020 By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020 By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020 By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020 By Melinda Deslatte, Stacey Plaisance, Chevel JohnsonChurchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus banCENTRAL, La. (AP) — Pastor Tony Spell has confirmed that he is facing misdemeanor charges, but said the summons wasn't deterring him.April 1, 2020 By Ellen BernsteinThe Seder’s secrets to enduring a pandemicHOLYOKE, Mass. (RNS) — Passover is coming this year just in time to remind us to bless what God has given us, the first greens of spring and the maror, the bitter herb. How will we bless the bitterness this year?April 1, 2020 By Aysha Khan'Zoombombing' comes for houses of worship(RNS) — The mass transition of houses of worship to Zoom and other online video conferencing platforms has meant that religious services are more accessible than ever before — including to trolls.March 30, 2020 By Jonathan HarounoffIn new novel, the story of two grieving fathers highlights an old conflict — and the hope of peaceNEW YORK (RNS) — Award-winning author Colum McCann’s anticipated new novel, ‘Apeirogon,’ tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two bereaved fathers born into opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.March 30, 2020 By Adelle M. BanksFear remains a barrier for minority participation in US census, say faith leadersWASHINGTON (RNS) — Some religious leaders are supporting the count that officially starts April 1, but issues of trust and safety remain.February 19, 2020 By David TalbotThomas Merton, my stroke and the light within(RNS) — You don’t always need classes run by Zen masters. Reading the right books at the right times can provide essential solace and guidance.February 12, 2020 By Jarrett StevensHow a Western megachurch pastor fell in love with Eastern meditation(RNS) — Coming from an evangelical upbringing, I’ve heard religious leaders cast meditation as a dangerous pagan practice. But Western Christians have missed out since abandoning our own tradition of meditation.February 11, 2020 By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020 By Jonathan HarounoffIn new novel, the story of two grieving fathers highlights an old conflict — and the hope of peaceNEW YORK (RNS) — Award-winning author Colum McCann’s anticipated new novel, ‘Apeirogon,’ tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two bereaved fathers born into opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.March 30, 2020 By Michele ChabinHoly Land churches, mosques, synagogues close for coronavirus(RNS) — Public religion in the Holy Land has ground to a halt due to the coronavirus. March 26, 2020 By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020 By Joseph D'SouzaCan someone be a Hindu by culture and a Christian by faith at the same time?(RNS) — Christian Hindus do not live in contradiction between two different identities. Rather, they embrace the truth that is found in the person of Jesus Christ while holding on to their vibrant Hindu culture. March 20, 2020 By Aysha KhanBiden faces backlash over pro-Modi staffer’s close Hindu nationalist ties(RNS) — Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign is facing growing pressure from civil rights advocates over the campaign’s choice of Muslim outreach coordinator.March 10, 2020 By Simran Jeet SinghAfghanistan can’t protect its Sikhs from terror. It’s time for America to step up.(RNS) — How do we make sense of violent extremists who come into our sacred spaces with hate in their hearts? And how do we keep ourselves from being victims of their anger?March 27, 2020 By Tameem AkhgarBomb disrupts funeral for 25 Sikhs killed in Afghan capitalKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack on services for those killed in Wednesday's rampage at a Sikh house of worship in Kabul's old city.March 26, 2020 By Simran Jeet SinghLet's take enforced social distancing for what it is: A life intervention(RNS) — If you asked me a week ago how my life aligned with my priorities, I would have responded with a small shrug, saying that I tried to keep these things aligned and felt like I was doing a pretty good job. March 20, 2020 By Yonat ShimronIs the rise of the nones slowing? Scholars say maybe(RNS) — Three political scientists say Generation Z, broadly defined as Americans born after 1996, doesn’t look any less religious than the millennial generation that came before.February 11, 2020By Ryan BurgeAtheists prefer cats, Christians love dogs, study shows(RNS) — New questions on the General Social Survey reveal some interesting connections between faith and pets.January 7, 2020 By Tara Isabella BurtonHow we all became Jedis(RNS) — After nearly 40 years, the Star Wars saga is almost complete, and the decades-long journey of the Jedi is ending. But the spiritual legacy of the Jedi is sure to last much longer.December 20, 2019 By Jack Jenkins, Claire GiangravéAs coronavirus death toll mounts, faith leaders the world over grapple with funerals(RNS) — Faith groups are attempting to address the issue of funerals by instituting new policies designed to offer some semblance of comfort for the bereaved while keeping others safe from infection.March 26, 2020 By Bob SmietanaTom Brady’s leap of faith(RNS) — Once a devoted acolyte of Bill Belichick, the Pats' Hall of Famer has put himself in the hands of a trainer/spiritual guide once labeled a ‘snake oil salesman.’March 22, 2020 By Emily McFarlan MillerCrystals, chocolate, astral travel and good vibes for the soulTORONTO (RNS) — Crystals aren't just trendy. I AM Academy is using them to build ‘a community of people who are looking to change themselves and change this world’ through astral travel, meditation and other metaphysical means.March 16, 2020 By Michael D. McNallyA court win for Standing Rock gives new life to defenders of sacred land(RNS) — A federal judge’s call for an environmental study may not stop oil from flowing, but it brings some vindication for indigenous people’s fight to protect the sacred, in the courts and on the ground.April 1, 2020 By Emily McFarlan MillerStanding Rock Sioux celebrate ‘significant legal win’ in DAPL fight(RNS) — A federal judge has ordered a new environmental review for the Dakota Access pipeline in what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is celebrating as a “significant legal win.”March 31, 2020 By Aysha Khan'Zoombombing' comes for houses of worship(RNS) — The mass transition of houses of worship to Zoom and other online video conferencing platforms has meant that religious services are more accessible than ever before — including to trolls.March 30, 2020 TOP STORIES SEARCH: Search Submit Clear By Melinda Deslatte, Stacey Plaisance, Chevel JohnsonChurchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus banCENTRAL, La. (AP) — Pastor Tony Spell has confirmed that he is facing misdemeanor charges, but said the summons wasn't deterring him.April 1, 2020By Ellen BernsteinThe Seder’s secrets to enduring a pandemicHOLYOKE, Mass. (RNS) — Passover is coming this year just in time to remind us to bless what God has given us, the first greens of spring and the maror, the bitter herb. How will we bless the bitterness this year?April 1, 2020By Jack JenkinsHobby Lobby clarifies coronavirus sick leave policy amid accusations(RNS) — ‘Employees in certain states were asked to use personal paid time off and vacation benefits in the early stages of a store closure, with the Company temporarily paying 75% of average wages after,’ read a statement from the company.March 31, 2020By Emily McFarlan MillerStanding Rock Sioux celebrate ‘significant legal win’ in DAPL fight(RNS) — A federal judge has ordered a new environmental review for the Dakota Access pipeline in what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is celebrating as a “significant legal win.”March 31, 2020By Mark Mulder, Gerardo MartíThe president, the pandemic and the limits of positive thinking(RNS) — With his false claims and dismissive tweets about COVID-19, President Trump does not (merely) misrepresent reality; he engages positive thinking in hopes of changing it.March 30, 2020By Mark SilkA sermon on COVID-19 and climate change(RNS) — Could this plague we’re going through represent a divine push to address climate change?March 29, 2020 Read More
By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020
By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020
By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020
By Michael D. McNallyA court win for Standing Rock gives new life to defenders of sacred land(RNS) — A federal judge’s call for an environmental study may not stop oil from flowing, but it brings some vindication for indigenous people’s fight to protect the sacred, in the courts and on the ground.April 1, 2020
By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020
By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020
By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020
By Yonat ShimronFranklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’(RNS) — Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.April 1, 2020
By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020
By Melinda Deslatte, Stacey Plaisance, Chevel JohnsonChurchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus banCENTRAL, La. (AP) — Pastor Tony Spell has confirmed that he is facing misdemeanor charges, but said the summons wasn't deterring him.April 1, 2020
By Ellen BernsteinThe Seder’s secrets to enduring a pandemicHOLYOKE, Mass. (RNS) — Passover is coming this year just in time to remind us to bless what God has given us, the first greens of spring and the maror, the bitter herb. How will we bless the bitterness this year?April 1, 2020
By Aysha Khan'Zoombombing' comes for houses of worship(RNS) — The mass transition of houses of worship to Zoom and other online video conferencing platforms has meant that religious services are more accessible than ever before — including to trolls.March 30, 2020
By Jonathan HarounoffIn new novel, the story of two grieving fathers highlights an old conflict — and the hope of peaceNEW YORK (RNS) — Award-winning author Colum McCann’s anticipated new novel, ‘Apeirogon,’ tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two bereaved fathers born into opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.March 30, 2020
By Adelle M. BanksFear remains a barrier for minority participation in US census, say faith leadersWASHINGTON (RNS) — Some religious leaders are supporting the count that officially starts April 1, but issues of trust and safety remain.February 19, 2020
By David TalbotThomas Merton, my stroke and the light within(RNS) — You don’t always need classes run by Zen masters. Reading the right books at the right times can provide essential solace and guidance.February 12, 2020
By Jarrett StevensHow a Western megachurch pastor fell in love with Eastern meditation(RNS) — Coming from an evangelical upbringing, I’ve heard religious leaders cast meditation as a dangerous pagan practice. But Western Christians have missed out since abandoning our own tradition of meditation.February 11, 2020
By Aya Batrawy, Jon GambrellSaudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virusDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.April 1, 2020
By Jonathan HarounoffIn new novel, the story of two grieving fathers highlights an old conflict — and the hope of peaceNEW YORK (RNS) — Award-winning author Colum McCann’s anticipated new novel, ‘Apeirogon,’ tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two bereaved fathers born into opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.March 30, 2020
By Michele ChabinHoly Land churches, mosques, synagogues close for coronavirus(RNS) — Public religion in the Holy Land has ground to a halt due to the coronavirus. March 26, 2020
By Megan BotelBaptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga(RNS) — For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.April 1, 2020
By Joseph D'SouzaCan someone be a Hindu by culture and a Christian by faith at the same time?(RNS) — Christian Hindus do not live in contradiction between two different identities. Rather, they embrace the truth that is found in the person of Jesus Christ while holding on to their vibrant Hindu culture. March 20, 2020
By Aysha KhanBiden faces backlash over pro-Modi staffer’s close Hindu nationalist ties(RNS) — Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign is facing growing pressure from civil rights advocates over the campaign’s choice of Muslim outreach coordinator.March 10, 2020
By Simran Jeet SinghAfghanistan can’t protect its Sikhs from terror. It’s time for America to step up.(RNS) — How do we make sense of violent extremists who come into our sacred spaces with hate in their hearts? And how do we keep ourselves from being victims of their anger?March 27, 2020
By Tameem AkhgarBomb disrupts funeral for 25 Sikhs killed in Afghan capitalKABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack on services for those killed in Wednesday's rampage at a Sikh house of worship in Kabul's old city.March 26, 2020
By Simran Jeet SinghLet's take enforced social distancing for what it is: A life intervention(RNS) — If you asked me a week ago how my life aligned with my priorities, I would have responded with a small shrug, saying that I tried to keep these things aligned and felt like I was doing a pretty good job. March 20, 2020
By Yonat ShimronIs the rise of the nones slowing? Scholars say maybe(RNS) — Three political scientists say Generation Z, broadly defined as Americans born after 1996, doesn’t look any less religious than the millennial generation that came before.February 11, 2020
By Ryan BurgeAtheists prefer cats, Christians love dogs, study shows(RNS) — New questions on the General Social Survey reveal some interesting connections between faith and pets.January 7, 2020
By Tara Isabella BurtonHow we all became Jedis(RNS) — After nearly 40 years, the Star Wars saga is almost complete, and the decades-long journey of the Jedi is ending. But the spiritual legacy of the Jedi is sure to last much longer.December 20, 2019
By Jack Jenkins, Claire GiangravéAs coronavirus death toll mounts, faith leaders the world over grapple with funerals(RNS) — Faith groups are attempting to address the issue of funerals by instituting new policies designed to offer some semblance of comfort for the bereaved while keeping others safe from infection.March 26, 2020
By Bob SmietanaTom Brady’s leap of faith(RNS) — Once a devoted acolyte of Bill Belichick, the Pats' Hall of Famer has put himself in the hands of a trainer/spiritual guide once labeled a ‘snake oil salesman.’March 22, 2020
By Emily McFarlan MillerCrystals, chocolate, astral travel and good vibes for the soulTORONTO (RNS) — Crystals aren't just trendy. I AM Academy is using them to build ‘a community of people who are looking to change themselves and change this world’ through astral travel, meditation and other metaphysical means.March 16, 2020
By Michael D. McNallyA court win for Standing Rock gives new life to defenders of sacred land(RNS) — A federal judge’s call for an environmental study may not stop oil from flowing, but it brings some vindication for indigenous people’s fight to protect the sacred, in the courts and on the ground.April 1, 2020
By Emily McFarlan MillerStanding Rock Sioux celebrate ‘significant legal win’ in DAPL fight(RNS) — A federal judge has ordered a new environmental review for the Dakota Access pipeline in what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is celebrating as a “significant legal win.”March 31, 2020
By Aysha Khan'Zoombombing' comes for houses of worship(RNS) — The mass transition of houses of worship to Zoom and other online video conferencing platforms has meant that religious services are more accessible than ever before — including to trolls.March 30, 2020
By Melinda Deslatte, Stacey Plaisance, Chevel JohnsonChurchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus banCENTRAL, La. (AP) — Pastor Tony Spell has confirmed that he is facing misdemeanor charges, but said the summons wasn't deterring him.April 1, 2020
By Ellen BernsteinThe Seder’s secrets to enduring a pandemicHOLYOKE, Mass. (RNS) — Passover is coming this year just in time to remind us to bless what God has given us, the first greens of spring and the maror, the bitter herb. How will we bless the bitterness this year?April 1, 2020
By Jack JenkinsHobby Lobby clarifies coronavirus sick leave policy amid accusations(RNS) — ‘Employees in certain states were asked to use personal paid time off and vacation benefits in the early stages of a store closure, with the Company temporarily paying 75% of average wages after,’ read a statement from the company.March 31, 2020
By Emily McFarlan MillerStanding Rock Sioux celebrate ‘significant legal win’ in DAPL fight(RNS) — A federal judge has ordered a new environmental review for the Dakota Access pipeline in what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is celebrating as a “significant legal win.”March 31, 2020
By Mark Mulder, Gerardo MartíThe president, the pandemic and the limits of positive thinking(RNS) — With his false claims and dismissive tweets about COVID-19, President Trump does not (merely) misrepresent reality; he engages positive thinking in hopes of changing it.March 30, 2020
By Mark SilkA sermon on COVID-19 and climate change(RNS) — Could this plague we’re going through represent a divine push to address climate change?March 29, 2020
