White House
The National Christmas Tree turns 100 this year. Here are five faith facts to know.
By Adelle M. Banks — November 30, 2022
(RNS) — Though the tree has not been lit every single year across the century, it is the second-oldest White House tradition after the Easter egg roll.
‘Rabbi Charlie’ balances Colleyville fame with one-to-one connection
By Yonat Shimron — July 19, 2022
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (RNS) — Safety is still his watchword, but building community is his mission.
Faith leaders attend White House celebration of gun control law
By Adelle M. Banks and Jack Jenkins — July 11, 2022
(RNS) — 'Neighborhoods and streets have been turned into killing fields as well,' said President Joe Biden. 'Will we match thoughts and prayers with action? I say yes.'
Biden honors Greek Orthodox priest, Catholic nun with Medal of Freedom
By Adelle M. Banks — July 7, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'For so many people and for the nation, Sister Simone Campbell is a gift from God,' Biden said.
White House to award 2 faith leaders the Presidential Medal of Freedom
By Marika Proctor — July 1, 2022
(RNS) — Sister Simone Campbell and the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos will be among the 17 Americans recognized in a ceremony at the White House on July 7th.
Biden names Catholic activist Stephen Schneck to religious freedom panel
By Jack Jenkins — June 15, 2022
(RNS) — ‘I’m proud and humbled by President Biden’s appointment,’ Schneck told Religion News Service.
Faith leaders, labor advocates push for White House meeting on poverty
By Jack Jenkins — June 6, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — President Joe Biden has yet to agree to the summit with the Poor People’s Campaign, despite endorsing the group while running for office and speaking at their events.
National Day of Prayer observances to feature in-person worship, online petitions
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2022
(RNS) — Proclaimed by Congress in 1952, the prayer day has been observed since 1988 on the first Thursday in May, with a more diverse array of participants in recent years.
Texas rabbi urges Americans to view each other in God’s image
By Yonat Shimron — January 21, 2022
(RNS) — Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who survived a hostage-taking at his synagogue last Saturday, gave the closing remarks at an online White House briefing Friday, with an impassioned plea for civility.
Bidens, Harris, Emhoff celebrate Hanukkah at White House
By Associated Press — December 2, 2021
Speaking to more than 150 guests, Biden sought to draw parallels between his presidency and the eight-day commemoration of the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees.
Biden brings a menorah lighting back to the White House, rededicating a Hanukkah tradition from the 20th century
By Jonathan D. Sarna — December 1, 2021
(The Conversation) — Every president since Jimmy Carter has recognized Hanukkah with a special menorah lighting ceremony.
Biden authorizes new refugee funds, fends off criticism from aid groups
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — August 17, 2021
(RNS) — Faith-based groups continued to pressure the White House to help U.S. allies and other vulnerable Afghans, including Christians and other religious minorities.
White House appoints liaison to Jewish community
By Yonat Shimron — August 6, 2021
(RNS) — Chanan Weissman also served as President Barack Obama's Jewish liaison during the last year of his presidency.
White House announces new religious affairs leaders, first Muslim religious freedom ambassador
By Jack Jenkins, Kathryn Post, and Joseph Hammond — July 30, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Biden will nominate Rashad Hussain, who served in other roles under the Obama administration, as his U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
NIH director: We asked God for help with COVID-19, and vaccines are the ‘answer to that prayer’
By Jack Jenkins — June 15, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘This is about saving lives,’ NIH Director Francis Collins told RNS.
