homepage featured
Anti-Semitism casts long shadows over Jewish festival of lights
By Yonat Shimron — December 3, 2018
(RNS) — As they celebrate an ancient military victory, in which a band of Jewish rebels rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors, many U.S. Jews are still reeling from a new wave of anti-Semitic episodes.
Madrasa Discourses equip tomorrow’s Islamic scholars with scientific literacy
By Aysha Khan — December 3, 2018
(RNS) — A Notre Dame-based program brings young Islamic scholars into dialogue with modern intellectual currents, helping them 'recognize the scientific reasoning already embedded within the tradition,' a professor says.
How Hanukkah came to America
By Dianne Ashton — December 2, 2018
(The Conversation) — Hanukkah is ranked one of Judaism’s minor festivals, but in the United States it has gained popularity as an expression of American prosperity and religious freedom.
When George H.W. Bush played the religion card
By Mark Silk — December 2, 2018
(RNS) — A reticent Yankee Episcopalian, Bush did not make his religion part of his political life. Until the presidential campaign of 1988, that is.
In quiet moments, George H.W. Bush showed that faith mattered
By A. James Rudin — December 1, 2018
At the dedication of the interreligious chapel at Camp David in the Spring of 1991, President George H.W. Bush spent a day with clergy and others showing his respect for the place of faith in the life of the country.
Pope says he’s worried about homosexuality in the priesthood
By Paul O'Donnell — December 1, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — In an interview that Francis gave about religious vocations, he was quoted as describing homosexuality within the walls of seminaries, convents and other religious places where clergy live as 'a very serious question.'
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — December 1, 2018
(RNS) — This week’s gallery includes a variety of unveilings: famous Christmas trees, a new Romanian cathedral and a giant menorah in Germany. Plus: remembering George H.W. Bush's meetings with religious leaders.
Southern Baptist seminary, in #MeToo age, appoints ‘women’s support coordinator’
By Adelle M. Banks — November 30, 2018
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RNS) — The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said the new position helps demonstrate the school has 'no tolerance on this campus for sexual harassment, assault, or disrespect.'
Jamal Bryant on his ‘bittersweet’ transition from one black megachurch to another
By Adelle M. Banks — November 30, 2018
(RNS) — Bryant, the son and grandson of African Methodist Episcopal clergy, talks about why he’s making the transition, what it says about black megachurches and his hopes for his new role.
‘You belong’: Threatened Muslim child receives 500 interfaith letters of support
By Aysha Khan — November 30, 2018
BOSTON (RNS) – Two weeks after receiving the threats, the Framingham, Mass., fifth-grader has stacks of letters of support from all over the country.
ICE’s War on Christmas
By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove — November 30, 2018
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — In 2018 the 'War on Christmas' is an assault led by President Trump and justified by his evangelical enablers.
Asia Bibi, in hiding after blasphemy acquittal, is banned from leaving Pakistan
By Bob Smietana — November 30, 2018
LAHORE, Pakistan (RNS) — Exoneration in a blasphemy case in Pakistan rarely means one can start afresh. Instead, those acquitted face persecution from religious groups that refuse to recognize the jurisdiction of the courts.
A reminder why gene-edited embryos are a terrible idea
By Charles C. Camosy — November 30, 2018
(RNS) — Fifty years ago, a Harvard Medical School committee gave us a definition of brain death that changed how we value human life. This week the school's dean showed the same incaution regarding gene-edited babies.
Religion News Service announces new podcast in collaboration with Fordham University
By RNS Press Release Distribution Service — November 30, 2018
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Religion News Service (RNS) is pleased to announce a new podcast in collaboration with Fordham University, “Beliefs,” and is scheduled to air starting on Sunday, December 2, 2018. The podcast will air weekly and will cover topics of religion, faith and ethics. It will be hosted by Dr. William Baker of the […]
Einstein’s ‘God letter’ hits auction block Dec. 4
By Mark A. Kellner — November 30, 2018
(RNS) — A handwritten 1954 letter by the Nobel laureate is dismissive of religion in general and Judaism in particular.
