NEWS OF THE WEEK
Pope Francis has expressed his support for the controversial crackdown on American nuns begun under Benedict XVI. Last year, the Vatican charged the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the largest organization of US nuns, with “serious doctrinal problems.” In a … More
Members of the Baha’i faith celebrate the feast of Ridvan. The twelve-day holiday commemorates the Prophet Baha’u’llah’s announcement in 1863 that he was the new messenger of God.
Fifty years ago this April in Birmingham, Alabama, Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested for organizing a civil rights demonstration. He spent eight days in jail in solitary confinement, and it was there that he wrote his classic, vigorous defense … More
Legendary gospel singer George Beverly Shea died this week at the age of 104. Shea became famous as the featured soloist at Billy Graham crusades. During his 80-year career, he recorded more than 70 albums of hymns and wrote several … More
With Congress back from their spring recess, work has resumed on several key issues, and faith-based groups have been deeply involved. As the Senate took up expanding background checks for gun sales, interfaith religious leaders, including clergy from Newtown, Connecticut, … More
Religious groups began weighing in on President Obama’s proposed 2014 budget. One measure in particular is generating debate in the faith community. The president has proposed significantly restructuring US foreign food aid. Among several changes, the plan would divert much … More
At the Vatican, Pope Francis and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon discussed growing international concern about North Korea. It was their first meeting since Francis became pope. The two highlighted their shared commitment to fostering peace and human … More
Religious tensions remain high in Egypt after a new wave of deadly violence between Muslims and Coptic Christians. Two people were killed, and more than eighty wounded in a riot outside Cairo’s historic St. Mark’s Cathedral during funeral services for … More
In Israel, controversy continues to surround gender segregation at one of Judaism’s holiest sites, the Western Wall. Women are regularly detained for violating rules which bar them from leading prayers there and wearing prayer shawls reserved for men. This week … More
Sikhs celebrate one of their most important holidays, Vaisakhi or Vesak. Often observed as a spring harvest festival, the day also marks the time when Sikhs first identified themselves as a defined group in the 17th century. Many Hindus observe … More
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