Top Story
Protesting Methodist LGBTQ policy, confirmation class takes a pass
By Yonat Shimron — April 29, 2019
(RNS) — Eight teenagers who make up this year’s confirmation class stood before the congregation on Confirmation Sunday (April 28) and read a letter saying they do not want to join the church at this time.
USCIRF report: China, two dozen other countries top religious freedom offenders list
By Adelle M. Banks — April 29, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom concluded in its Monday report that 'innumerable believers and nonbelievers across the globe continued in 2018 to experience manifold suffering due to their beliefs.'
Worshipper saved grandson in California synagogue attack
By The Associated Press — April 28, 2019
POWAY, Calif. (AP) — John T. Earnest, 19, surrendered to police after bursting into Chabad of Poway, north of San Diego, on Saturday (April 27) and opening fire with about 100 people inside, killing Lori Kaye, 60.
1 killed in shooting at California synagogue
By The Associated Press — April 27, 2019
POWAY, Calif. (AP) — The shooting came exactly six months since a shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue killed 11 people in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.
Sunday Mass canceled across Sri Lanka a week after bombings
By Emily Schmall — April 27, 2019
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Catholic leaders canceled Sunday Masses indefinitely across Sri Lanka and officials urged Muslims to stay home for Friday prayers in an extraordinary call by the clergy to curtail worship as fear of more attacks plagued the island nation after the deadly suicide bombings on Easter. Shops were closed, streets were […]
Photos of the Week
By Kit Doyle — April 26, 2019
(RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s gallery includes the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, the birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama, and more.
United Methodist court upholds Traditional Plan’s ban on LGBTQ clergy, same sex marriage
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 26, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — Seven of the 17 petitions that made up the Traditional Plan are unconstitutional and will not be added with the others to the United Methodist Church’s rulebook.
In a time of rising suicide, religious communities move beyond condemnation to care
By Bob Smietana — April 25, 2019
(RNS) — Numerous faith traditions have a history of criticizing suicide as a sin. But some faith leaders are now working not only to offer those facing despair help in addressing the root causes of suicide but to remove the stigma that keeps so many suffering families quiet after the death of a loved one.
The Satanic Temple is a real religion, says IRS
By Menachem Wecker — April 25, 2019
(RNS) — The Satanic Temple says it was recently recognized as a church by the IRS. The group, which is nontheistic and argues religion can be 'divorced' from superstition, has said it should have the same rights and protections as other religious groups.
Aretha Franklin sings sweet sounds, recalls roots in ‘Amazing Grace’ documentary
By Adelle M. Banks — April 24, 2019
(RNS) — The long-awaited documentary was delayed for almost five decades in part because of technical issues.
Civil rights advocates drop lawsuit against Oklahoma’s ‘Muslim-free’ gun range
By Aysha Khan — April 24, 2019
(RNS) — The gun shop owners say 'terrorists,' and not Muslims, were the true object of their ban.
What to do about ordination? A gay divinity school student ponders her future
By Yonat Shimron — April 23, 2019
DURHAM (RNS) — Dozens of LGBTQ United Methodist seminary students will graduate next month from the 13 schools affiliated with the denomination. Like Spencer Cullom, who is a lesbian, they face an uncertain future.
Mick Mulvaney: Faith is driving many Trump administration policies
By Jack Jenkins — April 23, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'The president has allowed us, Christians of all denominations, folks from all different faiths … to take their faith and work it into our policies,' the acting White House chief of staff said.
Wild Church founder Victoria Loorz finds resurrection on Easter and Earth Day
By Yonat Shimron — April 19, 2019
(RNS) — The founder of The Wild Church Network, a loose circle of Christian congregations that meet outdoors, seeks a restored relationship with God through nature.
Stranded at New York auto show, car writers meet for (corporate-sponsored) seder
By Jeffrey Yoskowitz — April 19, 2019
NEW YORK (RNS) — For Jews who cover the car industry at the New York International Auto Show's media days, which often fall during Passover, the seder at Katz’s Deli has become a respite.
