Jun 08 Pat Robertson, religious broadcaster and GOP political influencer, dies at 93 By Ben Finley, Associated Press For more than a half-century, Robertson was a familiar presence in American living rooms. Money poured in as he solicited donations, his influence soared, and when he moved directly into politics by seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 1988, he… Continue reading
Jun 07 Pope Francis’ 3-hour abdominal surgery completed without complications By Nicole Winfield, Maria Cheng, Associated Press While hernia operations are rarely performed on an emergency basis, the procedure appeared somewhat urgent, scheduled just a day after Francis went to the hospital for tests. Continue reading
Jun 02 America’s religious leaders sharply divided over abortion, a year after Roe v. Wade’s reversal By David Crary, Associated Press Some celebrate the state-level bans that have ensued. Others are angry that a conservative Christian cause has changed the law of the land in ways they consider oppressive. Continue reading
May 26 Iowa law limits gender identity instruction, bans books depicting sex acts from school libraries By Scott McFetridge, Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press The new law signed by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds mandates the removal of all books depicting sex acts from Iowa school libraries. Religious texts will be exempt from the ban. Continue reading
May 14 How various religions revere motherhood around the world By Alyssa Beall, The Conversation Motherhood and nurturing aren't only celebrated on particular days. Many religions include goddess-centered traditions that embrace many forms of the divine feminine as central to their belief systems. Continue reading
May 12 Wave of anti-transgender bills in Republican-led states divides U.S. faith leaders By David Crary, Associated Press Some view the legislation as reflecting God's will; others voice outrage that Christianity is being invoked to justify laws they view as cruel and hateful. Continue reading
Mar 22 How Muslims mark Ramadan, and what makes it a holy month By Mohammad Hassan Khalil, The Conversation Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual growth and is one of the five “pillars of Islam."… Continue reading
Mar 11 Robots are performing Hindu rituals. Some worshippers fear they’ll be replaced By Holly Walters, The Conversation It isn’t just artists and teachers who are losing sleep over advances in automation and artificial intelligence. Robots are being brought into Hinduism’s holiest rituals – and not all worshippers are happy about it. Continue reading
Jan 25 Pope Francis says homosexuality is a sin but not a crime By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis has criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as "unjust," saying God loves all his children just as they are. Continue reading
Jan 18 Church of England still forbids same-sex marriages in its churches By Sylvia Hui, Associated Press The Church of England says it will allow blessings for same-sex, civil marriages for the first time. Continue reading