NEWS OF THE WEEK
President Obama made a strong push for comprehensive immigration reform this week, as did some members of the Senate, who presented their own bipartisan plan. Faith groups across the religious spectrum praised both efforts, saying legislation should be passed without … More
As Congress heard testimony on gun violence from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, prominent members of the faith community continued to advocate for stricter gun laws. African-American clergy from around the country gathered in Washington and urged that more … More
The US government and several human rights groups condemned Iran for sentencing an Iranian-born American pastor to eight years in prison. The pastor, Saeed Abedini, was convicted of threatening Iran’s national security for helping to start Christian house churches. The … More
In the West African nation of Mali this week, French-led troops seized control of Timbuktu from Islamist militants. Just before they retreated, the militants attacked some of Timbuktu’s treasured ancient manuscripts. But now it appears the damage was not as … More
This Super Bowl weekend (February 3), does God have a stake in the outcome? According to a new poll from the Public Religion Research Institute, almost 30 percent of Americans say they think God plays a role in determining which … More
President Obama began his second term this week with pomp, circumstance, and some prayer. In longstanding American tradition, religion had a high profile in many inaugural activities. Watch our report on religion at the inauguration and listen to our discussion.
Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate held events in Washington this week to mark the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. On Friday (January 25), tens of thousands of abortion opponents … More
The retired Catholic archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahony, apologized to sex abuse victims after newly released documents revealed he and other church officials actively covered up abuse by priests. Internal memos from the 1980s show Mahony tried to … More
In New York City, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish counselor was sentenced to 103 years in prison for sexually abusing a young woman who had been sent to him for religious guidance. The counselor and victim were members of the Satmar Hasidic … More
The Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat began at sundown Friday (January 25). Called New Year’s Day for Trees, it has become a special day for efforts to protect the environment.
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