Top Stories
Can a teacher put John 3:16 in email signature? District says no; her lawyers say yes
(RNS) — An official of a Virginia school district said its ‘determination is not based on any particular religious viewpoint.’
Secular organizers say interfaith spaces should include atheists, nonbelievers
(RNS) — It is perplexing, some say, when interfaith leaders refer to the religious freedom movement as 'radically inclusive' while 'one of the biggest sections of society' is left out of the conversation.
Mexican artisans create ‘Judas’ figures for others to burn
At the annual “Burning of Judas” celebration, people across Mexico gather in public plazas to destroy colorful figures made as symbolic embodiments of evil. Filled with satirical humor, the festivity is not associated with the Holy Week celebrations led by the Catholic Church in this mostly Catholic country.
In ‘God on Psychedelics,’ Don Lattin offers a roadmap of congregational tripping
(RNS) — The veteran religion reporter investigates how various religious groups are using psychedelics to inspire chemically induced mystical experiences.
Tensions build around Jerusalem shrine after Syria rockets
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli warplanes and artillery struck targets in Syria following rare rocket fire from the northeastern neighbor, as Jewish-Muslim tensions reached a peak Sunday at a volatile Jerusalem shrine with simultaneous religious rituals.
Pope renews call to pray for peace celebrating Easter Monday
VATICAN CITY (AP) — At the end of the prayer, the pontiff recalled the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to decades of violent conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.
Abortion pill order latest contentious ruling by Texas judge
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, on Friday ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval.
Ukrainians celebrate Palm Sunday in church marred by dispute
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians marked Palm Sunday in the country’s most revered Orthodox site that has been at the heart of a religious dispute playing out in parallel with Russia's war on Ukraine.
Cubans seek solutions and solace in Santería amid crises
HAVANA (AP) — A fusion of African religions and Catholicism, Santería was one of the few religious practices to quietly endure through decades of prohibitions and stigma by the communist government.
Dalai Lama apologizes after video shows him kissing boy
DHARAMSALA, India (AP) — Social media users condemned his behavior, but a statement from the Buddhist leader said, “His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras."
RNS Opinion
American politics has become positively medieval
(RNS) — It's crusaders v. jihadis all over again.
This holy season in six faiths is a rebuke to Christian nationalism
(RNS) — If this nation does not provide full rights for believers of all faiths, I don’t want any part of it.
ICYMI
Francis focuses Easter message on hope, with prayers for an end to global conflicts
ROME (RNS) — The proclamation that Christ is 'truly risen' is a reminder that 'our hope is not an illusion, but the truth,' the pope said.
LGBTQ group condemns Point Loma Nazarene University for theology dean’s dismissal
(RNS) — The university denies charges by Lauren Cazares, founder of Loma LGBTQIA+ Alumni & Allies Coalition, that the dean of the school of theology was terminated for 'anything related to the LGBTQIA+ community.'
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