A couple wearing face masks stroll outside St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on Feb. 27, 2020. Clusters of coronavirus outbreaks in northern Italy have stoked fears throughout Italy and Europe. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Need to know: Friday, February 28, 2020
Coronavirus outbreak in Italy challenges Lenten celebrations
As parts of northern Italy are under curfew and quarantined amid growing coronavirus concerns, Catholic priests in the region look for new and creative ways to administer Mass in the days leading up to Lent.
Bernie Sanders makes his pitch at prominent NC black church ahead of Super Tuesday
The Democratic candidate spoke about how he would help the nation’s poor. But on the critical issue of race, Sanders offered few targeted solutions.
Muslim runner’s disqualification inspires Ohio bill to end hijab waiver requirements
A bill introduced in the Ohio Senate to allow student athletes to wear religious apparel without obtaining waivers was inspired by a Muslim teen who was disqualified from a track meet due to her hijab.
Russia’s human and religious rights record criticized at House hearing
Russia’s violations are spreading through the country and even across its borders, said a U.S. religious freedom policy expert.
Why I joined Elizabeth Warren’s interfaith advisory council
My involvement began, ironically, with my decision not to publicly flame the senator online for the initial composition of her council, as others did, noting in particular the lack of Muslims or Catholics, writes Simran Jeet Singh.
The Supreme Court nears the moment of truth on religion
The majority’s view of the Constitution’s free-exercise clause poses a threat to civil society, writes Linda Greenhouse.
Latest news from RNS
What religious left? Few Americans see Democratic presidential field as very religious
Americans were most likely to say Biden was 'very’ or 'somewhat’ religious — but that still was just over half (55%) of survey respondents, according to Pew data.
London’s new Faith hub is building young Muslims a bridge back to the mosque
Faith is a gathering space for those who have felt neglected by traditional Islamic spaces — especially women.
Meet the pastor who prays over Elizabeth Warren before every debate
'I will let you in on a little secret: If you think I do all right in the debates, it’s because Rev. Culpepper prays over me before I go out,’ Warren, a Methodist, told a group of faith leaders.
More views from RNS
Remembering Roy Larson, legendary religion journalist and teacher
(RNS) — The Chicago Sun-Times' longtime religion editor, who died this week at 90, taught us that we could be both hard-nosed reporters and decent people.
The left-handed Mormon’s dilemma
(RNS) — Now that it is official church policy, will I start taking the sacrament with my right hand?
Jean Vanier and the corrupting power of sexual sin
If Jean Vanier is not good — indeed, far from it — who can be good? Charles C. Camosy asks.
