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Muslim, Jewish college presidents focus on common goals with Christian educators
By Adelle M. Banks — February 4, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Zaytuna College and Yeshiva University, like their Christian counterparts, aim to reinforce their religious traditions to a younger generation as they educate them in fields ranging from liberal arts to law, their presidents said.
Students at Sundance explore film through the eyes of faith
By Bob Smietana — February 4, 2019
(RNS) — Students from Fuller Seminary and a number of Christian colleges attended this year's Sundance Film Festival for a look at how spirituality and storytelling meet.
Bible reading in public schools has been a divisive issue – and could be again
By The Conversation — February 4, 2019
(The Conversation) — A spate of new bills permitting the study of the Bible in classrooms threatens to reignite one of the oldest church-state controversies in U.S. politics.
Composting may offer the latest option in green burials
By Tracy Simmons — February 4, 2019
(RNS) — The approach, called recomposition, is currently being discussed by lawmakers and, if approved, could become a legal third option for after-death care by 2020.
Pope calls for Yemen relief as he heads to UAE
By Nicole Winfield — February 3, 2019
(AP) — “The people are exhausted by the long conflict and many children are hungry, but humanitarian aid isn’t accessible,” Pope Francis said.
Hashtag stirs debate over role of Christian schools in US
By David Crary — February 3, 2019
(AP) — “These schools are front and center in the politicization of knowledge and that’s problematic,” said Julie Ingersoll, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida.
Top US cardinal let priest accused of sexual abuse lead Mass
By Nomaan Merchant — February 2, 2019
(AP) — Cardinal Daniel DiNardo allowed the accused priest to lead the 9 a.m. Thursday Mass at his parish, the statement said, because he “was already scheduled to celebrate” it.
N. Korean Christians keep faith underground amid crackdowns
By Hyung-Jin Kim — February 2, 2019
(AP) — “I wanted to build my church and sing out as loud as I could,” said one North Korean woman who later defected to South Korea.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — This week’s gallery includes new naked men in India, a new king in Malaysia, a new church in Cuba and a Lunar New Year.
Patriots ‘character coach’ Jack Easterby joins long tradition of chaplains
By Paul Putz — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — New England Patriots 'character coach' Jack Easterby is the latest in a long line of NFL chaplains to follow in the footsteps of Ira Lee “Doc” Eshleman, one of the league's first chaplains.
How interfaith values support New York’s Reproductive Health Act
By Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — Policies like New York's recently enacted Reproductive Health Act allows women of all religions to follow their own faiths and consciences in their own lives, argues Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Why freaking out about Christian schools proves evangelicals’ irrational fears
By Jacob Lupfer — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — Unless we treat our neighbors who believe differently with grace and tolerance, we put our heritage as a pluralistic society at risk.
Video stokes fears of anti-Semitic backlash in N.J. suburb
By Menachem Wecker — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — A video from a group called Rise Up Ocean County that paints Orthodox Jews as invaders has raised concerns in suburban New Jersey communities where the Jewish population is increasing.
Catholic leaders in Texas name 286 accused of abusing minors
By David Warren — February 1, 2019
(AP) — The number represents one of the largest collections of names to be released since an explosive grand jury report last year in Pennsylvania.
Atheist minister Gretta Vosper hopes to stay at Canadian church for the long haul
By John Longhurst — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — Gretta Vosper, a Toronto pastor and self-described atheist, will remain at her church after reaching a settlement with the United Church of Canada. Church officials had claimed belief in God was necessary for a minister. Vosper says she is still qualified to be a pastor.
