NEWS OF THE WEEK
In Egypt, seven Coptic Christians and a controversial American pastor have been sentenced to death over an anti-Islam film that sparked massive protests in several Muslim countries in September. But the sentences can not be carried out since none of … More
A new interfaith center backed and funded by Saudi Arabia opened in Vienna this week. The center is named for Saudi King Abdullah and is part of an arrangement between Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, with strong support from the … More
There was backlash after the Church of England’s failure last week to approve a measure that would have allowed women to serve as bishops. The current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and his newly named successor, Justin Welby, both expressed … More
At the Vatican last weekend, six new cardinals received their red hats, and for the first time in many years the group did not include any Italians or other Europeans. The new cardinals came from Colombia, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, the … More
Charities, including several religious groups, reportedly raised at least $10 million online in one day this week as part of an effort called Giving Tuesday. Organizers encouraged people to donate or volunteer on that day as an antidote to the … More
This weekend is World AIDS Day (December 1). Several faith groups are holding events to raise awareness of the disease and those suffering from it. Also this weekend, the season of Advent begins on Sunday (December 2) for Western Christians … More
Religious groups across the spectrum expressed grave concern about the crisis in the Middle East after last week’s escalation of violence between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas. While US faith groups differed over which side was to blame for the … More
In his four-day visit to Southeast Asia, President Obama became the first US president to visit Myanmar, or Burma. The president urged the new civilian government to continue its steps toward democracy. He also specifically called for more religious freedom. … More
Lawmakers are negotiating with the administration over how to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” looming at the end of the year. This week, a group of Christian leaders urged Congress and the president not to cut anti-poverty programs as they … More
A prominent Christian advocacy group said while some progress has been made in fighting hunger and poverty worldwide, much more needs to be done. In its annual report, Bread for the World called for a renewed push in meeting a … More
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