Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, right, reads the Torah during a Shabbat service among the Abayudaya Jewish community near Mbale, eastern Uganda, on Nov. 17, 2018. RNS photo by Tonny Onyulo
Need to know: Friday, February 1, 2019
Conflict between brothers splits Uganda’s thriving Abayudaya Jewish community
A conflict between two brothers over money and religious practice is splitting Uganda's century-old Abayudaya Jewish community.
Willow Creek Association releases resource on ministry and #MeToo
The Willow Creek Association published a series of videos titled "Ministry and #MeToo" online, nine months after Willow Creek founder Bill Hybels stepped down amid allegations he acted sexually inappropriately with women.
Fat and happy: the comforts of practicing a religion
In 35 countries, people who are active in religious congregations tend to be happier than those who attend infrequently or not at all. But active participation in religion is also associated with being fat.
Putin assails Ukraine Orthodox church reform
Putin said the push for the new church was rooted in “the struggle for power” and provoked “animosity and intolerance.”
Don’t give me a Mormon funeral
Bury me in purple, with a funeral that is geared for (and planned by) my non-Mormon family. But funeral potatoes are definitely OK, writes Jana Riess.
How the religious right gained unprecedented access to Trump
As the president offers a sympathetic ear – and policies to match – critics see a de facto advisory committee, violating federal law.
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Pelosi, DeVos address Christian educators on policy and faith
The opening session of the conference of Christian college presidents featured speeches by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who spoke of their faith as an integral part of their work.
John of God’s sexual assault arrest tarnishes Brazil’s spiritist movement
More than 600 women — varying in age from 8 to 67 — have accused the medium of sexual assault, adding a distressing chapter to the long history of spiritist mediums in Brazil.
S.C. foster care agency tests public’s will to exclude on the basis of faith
When Sue Barrise wanted to foster a child, Miracle Hill asked her what church she belonged to. When she answered, the response was as direct as it was abrupt: 'Sorry, we can't help you.'
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States’ move toward abortion extremism heats up ‘cold civil war’
(RNS) — Common ground on abortion is substantial, if we only took time to look.
Secular saints, folk saints and plain old celebrities
(RNS) — A Martin Luther King Jr., Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Anna Nicole Smith may also carry many Americans' desire for a radical reframing of our collective values.
Pope downplays expectations for sexual abuse meeting in Rome
The meeting could be a disappointment for Americans who have been dealing with abuse for decades while still being a success for the universal church, writes Thomas Reese.
