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Catholic bishops stop short of mandating lay involvement in abuse investigations
By Jack Jenkins — June 13, 2019
BALTIMORE (RNS) — Some prelates at the USCCB's spring meeting, however, made clear that they support lay involvement regardless.
Southern Baptists face sex abuse crisis with litany of lament
By Adelle M. Banks — June 12, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — Following along on large screens around the Legacy Arena, women, men, pastors, lay people and survivors took turns reading words drawn from the biblical books of Psalms and Lamentations.
Matt Chandler, megachurch pastor, addresses allegations of abuse at Village Church during SBC meeting
By Adelle M. Banks — June 11, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church outside of Dallas, defended his church against reports it had mishandled allegations of abuse.
As opioid epidemic spreads, a NC church opens its doors to a syringe exchange
By Yonat Shimron — June 11, 2019
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (RNS) — Green Street Church's syringe exchange is one of a handful housed at a place of worship across the state. As the opioid epidemic spreads, the North Carolina Council of Churches hopes more will consider it.
Ahead of major meeting, Catholic bishops face pressure to act on abuse crisis
By Jack Jenkins — June 10, 2019
(RNS) — The sex abuse scandal, which continues to roil the church from the parishes to the pope, will likely be the foremost topic of discussion at the three-day U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting (June 11-13).
Southern Baptist president says racial insensitivity shows disregard for the gospel
By Adelle M. Banks — June 10, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — 'The gospel teaches us that there’s only one kind of person: human,' said J.D. Greear.
Southern Baptist report condemns ‘epidemic’ of abuse, looks at ways to assist victims
By Adelle M. Banks — June 8, 2019
(RNS) — The 'Caring Well' report also summarizes a range of next steps to address the issue for years to come, including educating congregations about abuse, preparing them to help survivors and fostering abuse prevention.
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — June 7, 2019
(RNS) — This week’s gallery includes Eid al-Fitr celebrations around the world, the enthronement of a Metropolitan Archbishop, and more.
Mexican Pentecostal church says leader is innocent, denies sex crimes charges
By Aysha Khan — June 7, 2019
(RNS) — The head of Mexico's largest evangelical church, La Luz del Mundo, has been charged with a string of sex crimes against minors in Los Angeles, including rape, human trafficking and child pornography. Church leaders and followers say he is innocent.
Jerusalem pride parade draws thousands, guarded by police
By Michele Chabin — June 6, 2019
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Jerusalem's parade draws thousands of LGBTQ Israelis and their allies, to an event guarded by thousands of police. Unlike in Tel Aviv, known as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world, Jerusalem's residents aren't always welcoming. Its pride parade has sparked controversy and, in at least one case, violence, in the past.
Forced conversions, marriages spike in Pakistan
By Bob Smietana — June 6, 2019
LAHORE, Pakistan (RNS) — 'The ugly reality of forced conversions is that they are not seen as a crime, much less as a problem that should concern ‘mainstream’ (Muslim) Pakistan,' said Mehdi Hasan, chairperson of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Beth Moore’s ministry reignites debate over whether women can preach
By Yonat Shimron and Adelle M. Banks — June 5, 2019
(RNS) — After suggesting on Twitter that she was spending Mother’s Day preaching at a church — though she did not use the word “preaching” — a crowd of prominent Southern Baptist men charged after her.
Latest Catholic scandal spotlights questions of consent in priest-parishioner relationships
By Jack Jenkins — June 5, 2019
(RNS) — The fact that the accuser is an adult has not spared the church new scrutiny about its slowness to respond to sexual misconduct claims or about what experts have been quick to call confusion regarding what constitutes consent.
Amid Ramadan celebrations, Jordanians fear an uncertain future
By Ken Chitwood — June 5, 2019
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — In Jordan, young Muslims count their blessings during Ramadan but worry about the future.
Woman accuses Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of dismissing sex abuse case
By Nicole Winfield — June 4, 2019
HOUSTON (AP) — Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been accused of covering up abuse by one of his chief aides. A Texas women says Monsignor Frank Rossi manipulated her into a sexual relationship, while serving as her spiritual counselor and confessor and while asking her for donations. She says DiNardo allowed Rossi to continue as a priest with no penalties. The archdiocese says Rossi was suspended.
