Rabbi Jeffrey Myers leads a gathering in Hanukkah songs after lighting a menorah outside the Tree of Life synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 2, 2018, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Need to know: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Anti-Semitism casts long shadows over Jewish festival of lights
As they celebrate an ancient military victory, in which a band of Jewish rebels rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors, many U.S.Jews are still reeling from a new wave of anti-Semitic episodes.
Prince Charles calls for Middle East peace at service for persecuted Christians
The plight of persecuted Christians is a cause that has become dear to the heir to the British throne.
Madrasa Discourses equip tomorrow’s Islamic scholars with scientific literacy
A Notre Dame-based program brings young Islamic scholars into dialogue with modern intellectual currents, helping them 'recognize the scientific reasoning already embedded within the tradition,' a professor says.
Religious leaders recall George H.W. Bush’s priorities: friendship, faith, family
Here's a sampling of reaction to the death of the 41st president and longtime Episcopalian.
Progress for Mormon women: A historian takes the long view
Historian Colleen McDannell sees long-term progress for Mormon women in several key areas, including the temple endowment (no more curses for Eve!), softer rhetoric about working women, and -- yes -- even the Proclamation on the Family.
‘I am a gay Christian’: Debates about LGBTQ acceptance roil Seattle-area nonprofits, churches
Achingly personal stories – parents losing their gay son, Christians losing their jobs in faith-based organizations after coming out – are prompting some groups to reexamine their discriminatory positions on sexuality and gender.
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Pope says he’s worried about homosexuality in the priesthood
In an interview that Francis gave about religious vocations, Francis was quoted as describing homosexuality within the walls of seminaries, convents and other religious places where clergy live as "a very serious question."
Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94
Bush will be honored with a funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral, the White House said Saturday, and President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend.
Southern Baptist seminary, in #MeToo age, appoints ‘women’s support coordinator’
The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said the new position helps demonstrate the school has 'no tolerance on this campus for sexual harassment, assault, or disrespect.'
More views from RNS
I want to die like George H.W. Bush
Welcome to heaven, President Bush, writes Jeffrey Salkin
How Hanukkah came to America
(The Conversation) — Hanukkah is ranked one of Judaism’s minor festivals, but in the United States it has gained popularity as an expression of American prosperity and religious freedom.
When George H.W. Bush played the religion card
A reticent Yankee Episcopalian, Bush did not make his religion part of his political life. Until the presidential campaign of 1988, that is, writes Mark Silk.
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