Top Story
On Madison Avenue, an Episcopal priest blesses passersby
By Yonat Shimron — June 27, 2019
NEW YORK (RNS) — The Rev. Adrian Dannhauser is well aware most of the people she blesses will never enter the 155-year-old Episcopal sanctuary in the Murray Hill neighborhood — let alone sign up for membership. But that's not the point.
Victims question Kamala Harris’ record on clergy abuse
By Michael Rezendes — June 26, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Survivors of clergy abuse and their attorneys complain that Harris was consistently silent on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal — first as district attorney in San Francisco and later as California's attorney general.
Democrats’ new faith outreach director launches ‘listening sessions’
By Jack Jenkins — June 25, 2019
(RNS) — Faith, the Rev. Derrick Harkins said, “will be a priority going into 2020, but even more importantly, beyond 2020.”
Julián Castro: Democrats ‘put in a box’ on religion and morality
By Simran Jeet Singh — June 25, 2019
(RNS) — For both sides, treating human beings with basic respect and dignity, no matter who they are, is a test.
Taylor University president resigns after hosting VP Pence as commencement speaker
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 24, 2019
(RNS) — Taylor University President Paul Lowell Haines has resigned from the nondenominational Christian university a month after it hosted Vice President Mike Pence as commencement speaker.
History of slaves sold for Georgetown detailed in new genealogical website
By Adelle M. Banks — June 21, 2019
(RNS) — The website includes a spreadsheet of 314 individuals whom genealogists have identified as being part of the group sold by the Jesuit priests.
Supreme Court determines cross on Maryland highway can stay
By Adelle M. Banks — June 20, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In a 7-2 decision, the high court determined that the Bladensburg Cross erected by the American Legion does not violate the Constitution’s establishment clause.
Atheist ashram on Lord Krishna’s home turf roils India’s Hindu nationalists
By Priyadarshini Sen — June 19, 2019
(RNS) — Two brothers who once devoutly supported the Hindu nationalist agenda have turned to rationalism, attracting attacks from religious leaders and politicians.
Not just churches: Camps are also prone to child sexual abuse
By Yonat Shimron — June 18, 2019
(RNS) — The camp where a counselor was arrested last week for "inappropriate touching" is not accredited by the American Camp Association.
After fascist threat to Houston mosque, Texas Muslims call for increased security
By Aysha Khan — June 18, 2019
(RNS) — A 4chan user threatened to use Houston’s Baitus Samee Mosque to re-create the massacre that left dozens dead at two mosques in New Zealand.
Atheist watchdog drops fight to halt clergy housing allowance
By Adelle M. Banks — June 18, 2019
(RNS) — The Freedom From Religion Foundation said it hopes its strategy will allow the issue to be reconsidered when the high court has a different makeup.
Notre Dame is more than a tourist attraction, says Paris archbishop
By Tom Heneghan — June 17, 2019
PARIS (RNS) — At the first mass celebrated at Notre Dame since a fire destroyed its roof and spire, Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit reminded worshipers and viewers on television that the cathedral's primary identity is as a church, rebutting some restoration plans that focus on its historical value.
Egypt TV says ousted president Morsi dies in court
By Samy Magdy — June 17, 2019
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's former president, Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood leader who rose to office in the country's first free elections in 2012 and was ousted a year later by the military, collapsed in court during a trial and died Monday.
Photos of the Week
By KC McGinnis — June 14, 2019
(RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s gallery includes images from Eid al-Fitr, the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Samaritan holiday of Shavuot, the funeral of Leah Chase and more.
Ethiopia tour for gay, lesbian travelers in jeopardy amid backlash from faith groups
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 14, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — A trip to Ethiopia planned by a Chicago-based tour company for gay and lesbian travelers is in jeopardy amid a backlash primarily from religious groups in the African country, where homosexuality is criminalized.
