VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The groups considered everything from the ordination of women as deacons to the creation of a separate rite for the region.

(RNS) — While disagreements in the synod may arise over how Catholicism is interpreted in the Amazon, the bishops of the synod will be largely united on the environment and justice issues.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Following an attempt by the Vatican to exercise control over its upcoming and reform-driven gathering, the Catholic Church in Germany has made it clear that it has no intention of backing down, proving to be yet another wedge in the internal church wars that have plagued Pope Francis’ six-year papacy.

(RNS) — For Pope Francis, the Amazon is important because it touches on so many themes of his papacy: concern for the marginalized, evangelization and protection of the environment.

SAO PAOLO (RNS) — The apparently intentional escalation of fires in the Amazon rainforest has contributed to a growing political split between Catholics and some Protestant groups and President Jair Bolsonaro’s evangelical supporters.

(RNS) — With Amazon’s much-hyped Prime Day sale underway, Muslim workers and faith-based activists are leading major strikes and boycotts of the online retail giant’s biggest discount event of the year.

(RNS) — Limiting ordination after marriage to ‘mature men’ will be portrayed as exceptional, but both traditionalists and progressives believe that it will spread to more and more situations.

(RNS) — In the second season of a popular TV comedy series, a handsome, swearing, gin-swilling cleric won over a ‘lying, acerbic sex addict’ — not to mention the famously secular U.K. America is next.

(RNS) — The line between well-intentioned kitsch and bad taste, experts in religious artwork say, can be blurry.

SAO PAOLO, Brazil (RNS) — The Brazilian president’s security chief was quoted in a recent news story about the synod, saying, ‘We are worried about it and want to neutralize it.’

(RNS) — 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.

(RNS) — After complaints from Muslim customers, Amazon has removed over 20 product listings that included doormats, bathmats and toilet covers featuring verses from the Quran.

PUERTO MALDONADO, Peru (AP) — Francis said it was “essential” for governments and other institutions to consider tribes as legitimate partners whose rights, cultures, languages and traditions must be respected and recovered.

“Transparent” goes to Israel. But, which Israel does it portray?

SAN FRANCISCO (USA Today) The most surprising thing about Amazon’s latest ad for its Prime service is that it appears to be the first time a Muslim cleric has been featured in a television ad shown in the United States.