An artistic rendering of the statue of Christ planned for Vladivostok in eastern Russia. Image courtesy of Vyatsky Center
Need to know: Thursday, March 14, 2019
Mammoth statue of Jesus planned for Russian site once set aside for Lenin
The statue, which has not yet been approved by the Russian Orthodox Church, is to be 125 feet high – the same height as the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro.
Pundits repent of Twitter sins, apply faith to social media
Political insiders and other pundits who are public about their beliefs are taking steps to tweet, post and blog according to the tenets of their faith.
Malaysia women’s march meets disapproval from religious, political authorities
Several hundred people marched in Malaysia's capital to mark International Women's Day in an event organized by activist groups and local NGOs and criticized by politicians and religious groups for its inclusion of LGBT activists.
Mystery infections traced to blood-shedding religious ritual
Researchers said Wednesday that they were initially puzzled how 10 British men had become infected with a little-known virus, because the men hadn’t taken risks usually associated with the infection.
From Theranos to 23andMe, putting our faith in data to figure out who we are
We're not just sequencing our DNA, we're discovering our new social identities and, just possibly, overcoming death, writes Tara Isabella Burton.
The Catholic Church is still silent on gender identity issues
Some transgender Catholics say they feel they are in doctrinal limbo since, although there is extensive teaching on sexuality that applies to lesbian and gay Catholics, there is no universal church teaching on transgender identity.
Latest news from RNS
Cardinal Pell sent to prison for abusing 2 boys in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Sentencing the most senior Catholic clergyman to be convicted of child sex abuse, the judge said Pell showed 'staggering arrogance.'
Survey: More than a third of US Catholics question loyalty in wake of scandals
More Catholics are questioning whether they should remain in the church today than did in 2002.
Survey: Faith groups maintain widespread support for LGBT protection laws
A new report shows that strong majorities within all religious groups, including white evangelicals, support laws shielding LGBT people from discrimination.
More views from RNS
The end of the Masterpiece Cakeshop case comes with a whimper
(RNS) — The door is still open to a decision that would force bakers to provide cakes for same-sex nuptials if they want to stay in business.
The college admissions scandal is child sacrifice
The upshot of the college admissions scandal? We are still idolators.
The good, the bad and the merciful: Pope Francis after six years
Pope Francis' strength is as a pastor who calls people to conversion. He does not think like an administrator, one who establishes policies and structures to ensure things are done properly, writes Thomas Reese.
