In this Sept. 23, 2015, file photo, Pope Francis reaches out to hug Cardinal Archbishop emeritus Theodore McCarrick in Washington. (Jonathan Newton /The Washington Post via AP)
Need to know: Monday, July 30, 2018
US prelate McCarrick resigns from College of Cardinals
Pope Francis has accepted Theodore McCarrick’s resignation after sex abuse allegations and, in a rare move, ordered him to conduct a “life of prayer and penance" before his church trial.
In Turkey, suspicion of US clouds case of pastor Andrew Brunson
For many in Turkey, Brunson's case has little to do with his faith or his work as a missionary, and everything to do with how Washington addresses Ankara's concerns.
A battle over pot pits the Mormon Church against an unlikely group: other Mormons
The LDS Church has rarely weighed in on marijuana, but now it’s decided to come out in staunch opposition to a ballot measure in Utah, which is spearheaded by LDS members.
A church for gamers: Virginia pastor draws thousands to worship on Twitch
This pastor founded GodSquad in 2016 with a mission — to bring God to the gaming community, a population he said skews atheistic and tends to dislike religion.
Seeking ‘a good afterlife,’ and not just for humans
Bangkok, with little green space and deadly reptiles, isn't ideal for pets. But owners spoil their pets in life—and often cremate them in a Buddhist ceremony when they die.
In a break with tradition, Orthodox Jewish women are leading synagogues
Some call themselves rosh kehilah, meaning “head of the community.” Some go by maharat. Rabbanit. Rabba. And even rabbi.
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Southern Baptists to launch sexual abuse advisory panel
(RNS) — The creation of an advisory panel marks an early concrete step as the denomination aims to root out sexual abuse and coverups.
A new book for progressive Christian families aims to fill a kid-lit gap
(RNS) — A lack of books and other resources for progressive Christian families is why Daneen Akers recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to write a children’s book of her own, 'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints.'
State Department religious freedom summit ends with commitments, critiques
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Administration supporters who are also religious freedom advocates spoke in glowing terms about the significance of the gathering. But outside observers are less impressed.
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The Catholic Church needs a way to deal with bad bishops
(RNS) — Cardinal Sean O’Malley acknowledged this week that the church needs clearer norms and procedures for investigating and judging bishops. But O’Malley’s statement only raises further questions.
Let’s talk about the nation-state
Nation-states aren't that bad. It just depends on how you do it.
Mormons and guns: It’s time to set limits
After Sunday's LDS Church shooting, isn't it time for Mormons to take a closer look at the role of guns in our culture?
