Los Angeles
Backlash over Planned Parenthood fundraiser continues at Loyola Marymount University
By Alejandra Molina — November 18, 2021
(RNS) — To Elena Sandoval, a junior at Loyola Marymount, the university ‘made it clear they don’t support women’s health and reproductive rights.’
Bishops seek answers in vandalism of churches and Catholic symbols
By Alejandra Molina — November 8, 2021
(RNS) — 'Did they single out the Catholic Church, or is it simply that our symbols of religion are so visible that they make an easy target?' said Aaron M. Weldon, of the USCCB's Office of Religious Liberty.
Afghan crisis and pandemic make for another somber Día de los Muertos
By Alejandra Molina — October 29, 2021
(RNS) — With the ongoing pandemic, Día de los Muertos events, although not as restricted as in 2020, will continue to look a little different this year.
In Los Angeles, spiritual convoy urges unity to preserve Apache sacred site Oak Flat
By Alejandra Molina — October 18, 2021
MALIBU, Calif. (RNS) — Apache Stronghold — a coalition of Apaches, other Native peoples and non-Native supporters seeking to preserve Oak Flat — gathered Sunday at the Wishtoyo Chumash Village in Malibu in Los Angeles County as part of a spiritual convoy to San Francisco.
One year later, advocates pressure for charges to be dropped in toppling of Serra statue
By Alejandra Molina — October 11, 2021
(RNS) — Referred to as the 'Indigenous Peoples 5,' the five protesters are each facing one count of felony vandalism for leveling the statue at Mission San Rafael Arcángel in San Rafael.
Newsom launches council to focus on teaching California students about the Holocaust
By Alejandra Molina — October 8, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — 'We are offering an antidote to the cynicism that this is how things are, and responding to that hate the best way we know how — with education and empathy,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
‘Spiritual convoy’ heads to California hearing on Apache sacred site at Oak Flat
By Alejandra Molina — October 6, 2021
(RNS) — Apache Stronghold members will stop on their way to meet with Native American communities and faith leaders before an Oct. 22 court hearing.
Where Serra statues once stood, a chance to honor California’s Indigenous people
By Alejandra Molina — October 1, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A year after protesters across California toppled monuments to Serra, Indigenous leaders, artists and others are seeking to activate those sites in a way that would memorialize the state’s Indigenous people.
California, LA County both to pay $400,000 settlement to John MacArthur’s church
By Alejandra Molina — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — This agreement, county officials said, was reached in the context of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in February that told California it couldn’t enforce a ban on indoor worship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Summer Travel Series: Los Angeles with Laura Tremaine
By Jonathan Woodward — August 18, 2021
In a bonus summer series, Roxy goes on a journey to see what's what for seekers in other great cities, exploring the spiritual side of four favorite metropolises. This week we hit up Hollywood and the star of our show is Laura Tremaine.
Homeboy Industries takes ‘quantum leap’ in wake of funding bonanza
By Alejandra Molina — August 16, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The nonprofit founded by Jesuit Father Gregory Boyle has received a $20 million gift from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and $15 million in funding from the state of California.
Jewish and Latino legislators announce funding to renovate century-old synagogue in LA’s Eastside
By Alejandra Molina — August 11, 2021
(RNS) — ‘This was at one time the center of Jewish life in the city of Los Angeles, the center of Jewish life in the western United States,’ said Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel.
William Pannell wrote ‘The Coming Race Wars?’ nearly 30 years ago. It still resonates today
By Alejandra Molina — August 6, 2021
(RNS) — Pannell’s book serves as a historical reflection but 'also as a statement on how far we haven’t come.'
Rolling Stone’s publisher planned to convert a Black church into his home, but residents fought back to preserve it
By Alejandra Molina — July 26, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — 'We just could not allow it to fall into the hands of someone who didn’t have the religious respect of the community,' said Naomi Nightingale.
‘Apostles of Change’ tells how secular Latino activists protested by seizing sacred spaces
By Alejandra Molina — July 6, 2021
(RNS) — ‘We know very little about Latino and Latina religious leaders that were prophets, that were religious radicals — people who stood up to faith and justice,’ said historian Felipe Hinojosa.
