The exhibition of “10 Columns” by artist Phillip K. Smith III, which features glowing mirrored panels that shift colors, at Bridge Projects in Los Angeles. RNS photo by Alejandra Molina
Need to know: Wednesday, December 18, 2019
In this art gallery, conversations about religion and spirituality are welcome
Bridge Projects is a new gallery space that seeks to link art with spiritual and religious traditions.
Pope Francis removes pontifical secrecy for sexual abuse cases
Pope Francis ushered in a new era of transparency and accountability for the Catholic Church by removing pontifical secrecy for cases of sexual abuse and cover-up, allowing lawful authorities to have access to reports, testimonies and documents.
Beatles music, Christmas story come together at suburban Chicago church
'Let It Be Christmas: The Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo' sets the story of Jesus’ birth, which Christians celebrate at Christmas, to the music of the Beatles.
How persuasive is whistleblower’s claim the LDS church is hiding wealth from the IRS?
It’s easy for me to believe that the LDS church is guilty of hoarding its wealth; it's harder to believe that it has been intentionally defrauding its members and the federal government, writes Jana Riess.
Greta Thunberg, a prophet for Advent
Thunberg has suffered the same scorn and attacks heaped on other prophets of hope by the powerful and rich, writes Thomas Reese.
Mormon Church has misled members on $100 billion tax-exempt investment fund, whistleblower alleges
A former investment manager alleges in a whistleblower complaint to the Internal Revenue Service that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has amassed about $100 billion in accounts intended for charitable purposes, according to a copy of the complaint obtained by The Washington Post.
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Across India, opposition building against citizenship law
Critics say the legislation, which for the first time conditions Indian citizenship on religion, violates the secular constitution of the world's largest democracy.
Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald sues radio host ‘Mancow’
Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald is suing Chicago radio personality Erich ‘Mancow’ Muller for defamation after Muller used his radio show to — in the host’s words — ‘bring down the cult of MacDonald.’
‘The Two Popes’ promotes dialogue in a polarized Catholic Church and society
Held together by engaging writing and artful acting, the movie ‘The Two Popes’ offers an intimate look at the relationship between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, delivering a powerful message about dialogue and mercy along the way.
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Trump made us ask, again: Who are the Jews, anyway?
(RNS) — The president's executive order seeks to protect Jewish kids on campus. But we have to do our part as well.
Congress must reauthorize religious freedom agency for prisoners of faith
(RNS) — Little more than a year ago, I stood in a Turkish courtroom facing 35 years in prison. I was saved in part by a little-known U.S. commission that is facing extinction if Congress fails to act.
A last-minute gift for the spiritual reader in your life
If you find yourself wondering, just days before Christmas, what gift to offer the Christian book-lover on your list . . . problem solved! I’ve got the perfect idea. You’re welcome, writes Jana Riess.
