NEWS OF THE WEEK
When the newly-elected congress is sworn-in in January, it will be more religiously diverse than ever. The 113th Congress will still have a Protestant majority, but for the first time it will include a Hindu representative, a Buddhist senator, and … More
The Church of England will be keeping its policy of no female bishops. At the church’s general synod meeting this week, delegates failed to approve a measure that would have allowed women to serve as bishops. The measure needed a … More
The Vatican announced this week that prominent American activist Roy Bourgeois has been dismissed from the priesthood because of his participation in a ceremony to ordain a female priest. The Roman Catholic Church does not allow the ordination of women. … More
Many Muslims observe the solemn holiday of Ashura on November 24th. For Shiites, it commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson during the Battle of Karbala.
According to new figures from the Census Bureau, more than 49 million Americans, close to one in six, lived in poverty last year. That number reflects a new approach to calculating poverty that takes into account money spent on health … More
Religious leaders from several national organizations urged Congress to do more to address homelessness and provide more money for subsidized housing. Gathered outside a mixed income housing unit in Washington, DC, the interfaith group called affordable housing crucial to fighting … More
President Obama this week toured areas in New York City still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The president met with first responders and victims. Faith-based relief groups continue to help with the clean-up. The relief arm of the … More
There were sharp words exchanged between China and the Dalai Lama as the number of self-immolations by Tibetans grew dramatically. Speaking in Japan, the Dalai Lama called for an investigation into the causes behind the immolations and faulted China for … More
At the Vatican, efforts are underway to promote forms of communication both old and new. Pope Benedict XVI this week announced the creation of an academy dedicated to the revitalization of Latin. The pope called knowledge of Latin, still the … More
A week after the presidential election, the U.S. Catholic bishops vowed to remain active on several hot-button issues, including gay marriage, which, despite the bishops’ opposition, was legalized by voters in three states. At their annual fall meeting in Baltimore, … More
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