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A pocket watch turns back the clock on Jewish life aboard the Titanic
By Menachem Wecker — August 21, 2018
(RNS) — Sinai Kantor's watch, which goes on the auction block Saturday (Aug. 25), is a relic of the broader but little-known Jewish experiences aboard the British passenger liner that sank in 1912.
Vatican considers sainthood for Lakota Sioux medicine man
By Kirk Petersen — August 21, 2018
(RNS) — The Catholic Church could get its second Native American saint if a Vatican research trip to South Dakota this month leads to confirmation of two miracles performed by Nicholas Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux medicine man born in the Civil War era.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha as pilgrims conduct hajj rites
By Associated Press — August 21, 2018
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Adha as over 2 million pilgrims carry out the final rites of the hajj in Saudi Arabia.
As wildfires rage, California town rallies for material, spiritual help
By Yonat Shimron — August 20, 2018
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Even if the fires are mostly contained, with about 1,600 structures, mostly homes, consumed, the community will rely on churches, parachurch organizations and individuals to lead the way.
#ChurchToo supporter Karen Swallow Prior builds bridges between the extremes
By Adelle M. Banks — August 20, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Inside and outside the classroom, the 53-year-old Maine native said her goal is to help all creatures great and small (she’s an animal rights activist too) improve their lives.
Why Jewish giving to Israel is losing ground
By The Conversation — August 20, 2018
(The Conversation) — Israel's increasingly conservative policies on social and religious issues appears to be playing a role.
Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for hajj’s pinnacle
By Omar Akour — August 20, 2018
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Some 2 million Muslim pilgrims gathered on Monday in the valley of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the annual hajj.
Israeli questioning of US Jews at border exposes deeper rift
By Yonat Shimron — August 19, 2018
JERUSALEM (AP) — The gulf between the country's hard-line government and liberal Jewish Americans who oppose its policies is growing.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — August 18, 2018
This week’s gallery includes celebrations of the Assumption of Mary, preparations for Eid al-Adha and more.
Celtic spirituality draws pagans and Christians alike
By Eric Berger — August 17, 2018
(RNS) — 'It’s a big-tent spirituality,' said book editor Brandenburgh, 'so it’s something that not only Roman Catholics and mainline Protestants feel comfortable with, but it’s also something that is of interest to the neo-pagans of the world, many of the New Age types.'
What is the Hajj?
By Ken Chitwood — August 17, 2018
(The Conversation) — Nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims are gathering in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims who are able to undertake the five-day pilgrimage.
Church president: Use ‘Latter-day Saints,’ not ‘Mormon’
By Brady McCombs — August 17, 2018
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The terms 'Mormon,' 'Mormonism' and 'LDS' have been frequently used for decades to refer to the Utah-based faith that counts 16 million members worldwide.
Satanic Temple brings Baphomet statue to Arkansas for rally
By Yonat Shimron — August 17, 2018
The Satanic Temple says the Ten Commandments monument violates constitutional freedom of religion rights and that the installation of their statue would demonstrate religious tolerance.
Catholics and lawmakers respond to sex abuse report
By Jack Jenkins — August 16, 2018
(RNS) — Two days after Pennsylvania's 'catastrophic' report on clergy sex abuse, questions remain about its effect on American Catholics and how states will prosecute such crimes in the future.
Why celibate LGBTQ Christians stir controversy on right and left alike
By Katelyn Beaty — August 16, 2018
(RNS) — Where many conservative Christian leaders denounce LGBT identity, many are unwilling to do the relational work of walking alongside same-sex-attracted Christians as they attempt a very difficult thing: lifelong celibacy.
