Pope Francis, background center, is cheered by a crowd of faithful as he arrives with the popemobile to celebrate Mass in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Sept. 8, 2019. Francis was in Madagascar for the second leg of his weeklong trip to Africa. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Need to know: Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Pope encourages vast crowds in Madagascar in fight against poverty, climate threat
The pope's optimistic message of peace and faith has been balanced by the reality of the challenges Africa faces.
In New Mexico town, single parents get free rent, benefits — if they go to church
For up to four years while single parents go to college or develop careers, the ministry associated with Churches of Christ offers free rent, utilities and internet.
For immigrant families, a sweet wedding tradition preserves a taste of home
Instead of elaborately decorated cakes, many cultures' nuptials feature wedding-only cookies, symbolizing the sweetness the newlyweds will experience after they exchange vows.
We are too old not to get arrested for children at the border
As parents and grandparents, as teachers and rabbis and as Jews, we understand that these children and their families will be traumatized for generations to come, write Phyllis Berman and Arthur Waskow.
What draws atheists, Jews and Catholics to a Presbyterian church
Observant Presbyterians are always part of gatherings at Rutgers Presbyterian Church. But much of the time, so are Roman Catholics and Jews, as well as a smattering of people who consider themselves vaguely spiritual.
Trump says Democrats are ‘not big believers in religion’ during North Carolina rally
During a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, President Trump claimed that Democrats are not religious and are trying to take away religion.
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At Mass for immigrants, Los Angeles archbishop calls for prayer for reform
Speaking in English and Spanish to hundreds gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Archbishop José H. Gomez challenged the crowd to talk to those “who disagree with us” and to “see things through their eyes.”
Secular Student Alliance has seen growth at religiously affiliated colleges
Two roommates are starting Fordham University’s first Secular Student Alliance chapter — one of 10 new chapters that have been started recently at religiously affiliated schools.
In Northern California, Sikh community is on edge after killing of 64-year-old man
Parmjit Singh’s death has left the Sikh community on edge as his family copes with the loss of a man they describe as 'nice, loving and caring.'
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Calling former Mormons to participate in research study
Former members of the LDS Church who are over 18 may be eligible to be interviewed about their experiences in leaving Mormonism, writes Jana Riess.
What it means to ‘get’ religion in 2020
The media sees religion as the 'frosting' rather than the 'cake' of the people they cover. The real substance of a person lies, say, in economic concerns — not the superficial fact of where they go to church, writes Charles C. Camosy.
When it comes to global conflict, churches are the best solution we never think of
There is a solution that can help us connect with the needs of communities in faraway places, one that sits on many street corners in our downtowns and backroads in our country and theirs: local churches, writes Tim Breene.
