People experience a sample of life in solitary confinement with the help of virtual reality glasses and headphones presented by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture during the Ecumenical Advocacy Days on April 22, 2018, in Washington. Photo courtesy of NRCAT
Need to know: Wednesday, March 6, 2019
A virtual reality tour of solitary confinement helps religious groups rally for a ban
Solitary confinement is a growing concern for religious groups across the country that have come to adopt the now common nomenclature for the practice: torture.
New play ‘American Griot’ explores blues music’s Muslim and African roots
A musical explores the shared history of Islam, Africa and blues music through the eyes of an enslaved storyteller-musician.
South African pastor’s resurrection stunt draws mockery and memes
A viral video of a man purportedly being raised from the dead has punctured the credibility of Africa's increasingly influential Pentecostal churches.
New Pakistani leader’s education aims may include reining in religious schools
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's plans to introduce a nationwide curriculum for all his country's schools, including its 38,000 madrassas, is viewed skeptically by religious leaders.
Pancakes, Fat Tuesday and cheering for the losing team
In a world which prizes self-affirmation, confidence, and pride, Ash Wednesday comes as a slap in the face, a bracing cold shower of reality. Inescapably, we are told of our lingering weaknesses, faults, and helplessness, writes Kate Bowler.
Judge: Muslim man’s lawsuit over torture at Ambassador Bridge border crossing can go on
A Muslim man can proceed with his lawsuit alleging he was subjected to low-grade torture when U.S. Customs agents detained him at the border, a judge has ruled.
Latest news from RNS
$6.3M raised for synagogue massacre families, survivors
A $6.3 million fund established in the wake of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre will primarily be split among the families of the dead and survivors of the worst attack on Jews in U.S. history.
Life stories — not sermons — guide Gilead Church in Chicago
At Gilead Church in Chicago, life stories are as sacred as Scripture.
Muslim inmates sue over combined faith services in Arkansas prisons
Muslim prisoners say the Arkansas Department of Correction requires them to attend a combined Friday prayer service with members of the Nation of Islam and Nation of Gods and Earths.
More views from RNS
4 things to know about Ash Wednesday
(The Conversation) — The Christian practice of marking ashes on believers' foreheads to kick off the penitent season of Lent dates to the 10th century.
How denominations split: Lessons for Methodists from Baptist battles of the ’80s
(RNS) — Now that the Methodists have reached the precipice, the very complicated organizational work of division has to get underway, and one thing is sure: Nothing will happen quickly.
Rep. Omar touches a third rail
(RNS) — Raising the issue of Jewish allegiance to the country puts her in bad company.
