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Hindu activists urge Wayfair CEO to stop selling beds to migrant camps
By Aysha Khan — July 11, 2019
BOSTON (RNS) — A progressive Hindu organization calls on Niraj Shah, of home goods retailer Wayfair, to vacate a reported agreement to provide beds to furnish a new Texas detention camp for migrants seeking asylum.
Muslim scholar catches flak for serving on new State Department rights panel
By Aysha Khan — July 10, 2019
(RNS) — Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, one of the world’s most prominent Islamic scholars, is drawing criticism from some Muslims for his participation in the State Department’s newly announced Commission on Unalienable Rights.
Pastor surveilled after ministering to migrants sues US government
By Aysha Khan — July 9, 2019
(RNS) — A New York pastor, the Rev. Kaji Douša, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that U.S officials violated her religious freedom when she was put on a watchlist over her ministry to migrants at the border.
Russian Orthodox Church considers a ban on blessing weapons of mass destruction
By Marc Bennetts — July 9, 2019
MOSCOW (RNS) — The ban would constitute a signal change in the church's official policy regarding Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
From cruise ships to Trump’s hotel, Calvinist Christian nationalism is making moves
By Jack Jenkins — July 8, 2019
(RNS) — Michael O'Fallon argues that America's Judeo-Christian heritage and 'the right of self governance' are under attack by the Open Society Foundation and society at large.
AP-NORC Poll: Americans rarely seek guidance from clergy
By Paul O'Donnell — July 8, 2019
DETROIT (AP) — A new poll from the Associated Press and the National Opinion and Research Center found that while a majority of Americans still identify with a specific faith, about half say they want religious leaders to have little influence in their lives.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — July 5, 2019
(RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s gallery includes a variety of pilgrimages, famous holy sites, and more.
In Queens, revered Jewish leader’s burial site draws crowds
By Deepti Hajela — July 5, 2019
NEW YORK (AP) — Since the passing of the leader of Judaism's Chabad-Lubavitch movement 25 years ago, people wait hours to pray at his mausoleum on the anniversary of his passing on the Jewish calendar, which this year falls on July 6.
Sikh activists ask Kamala Harris for apology over beard ban for California prison guards
By Aysha Khan — July 2, 2019
(RNS) — In 2011, as California’s attorney general, Harris fought to defend a policy that prevented state prison guards from keeping beards for religious reasons. Now, Sikh activists want an explanation.
Virtual rituals give expat Greeks a chance to live out their faith from abroad
By Nikolia Apostolou — July 2, 2019
ATHENS (RNS) — A new startup, Do My Tama, is helping ex-pats stay connected to their faith by offering to perform religious devotions, virtual pilgrimages and other religious services.
Hispanic evangelical group offers to house migrant children in churches
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 1, 2019
(RNS) — The head of the largest Hispanic evangelical Christian network in the United States has announced it will work with the Trump administration to provide resources and shelter to migrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hindu pilgrimage begins amid high security in Indian Kashmir
By Associated Press — July 1, 2019
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Thousands of Hindu pilgrims began the arduous trek to an icy Himalayan cave in disputed Kashmir on Monday, with tens of thousands of Indian government forces guarding roads and mountain passes.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — June 28, 2019
(RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s gallery includes Moss Men in Spain, Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan, and more.
Episcopalian pilgrims bring Spain’s Camino de Santiago to the Appalachian Trail
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 28, 2019
ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, Pa. (RNS) — Inspired by Spain's popular pilgrimage, hikers from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania are making their own "Appalachian Camino" this week on the piece of the Appalachian Trail winding through the diocese.
South Sudanese churches call for acceptance of wartime sexual violence survivors
By Fredrick Nzwili — June 28, 2019
(RNS) — Thousands of women and girls in Africa’s newest nation who have suffered brutal sexual violence have been rejected by their families on their return to their communities.
