NEWS OF THE WEEK
In Pakistan, prayer vigils were held for the more than 140 children and teachers who were killed in a Taliban attack on a school in Peshawar. The brutal massacre drew condemnations from all over the world. Protests were held across … More
At the Vatican, Pope Francis condemned what he called “inhuman terrorist attacks,” not only in Pakistan but also in Sydney, Australia, where two people were killed after a self-proclaimed Muslim cleric took them hostage. Francis prayed for the victims, and … More
The Vatican this week ended its controversial more-than-five-year investigation of US nuns. In a report released Tuesday (December 16), church officials largely praised the work of American sisters, especially for their service to the poor. It was a very different … More
The Senate confirmed Rabbi David Saperstein as the new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. The Reform Jewish leader is the first non-Christian to hold the position.
The Church of England named its first female bishop. Libby Lane is a married parish priest with two children. The issue of female bishops remains a controversial one throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Jews are celebrating the eight-day festival of Hanukkah (December 16-23), which remembers the story of the rededicated ancient temple in Jerusalem and a ritual flame that miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was enough oil for only one. … More
This week many faith groups expressed outrage at the findings of a U.S. Senate report that accused the CIA of torturing terrorism suspects in the years following 9/11. The report was the result of a nearly six-year investigation. The National … More
Protests continue across the nation in the wake of grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York not to indict white police officers in the deaths of unarmed African Americans. Religious groups have played a key role in many of … More
In Washington this week, civil rights activists and faith leaders launched a new campaign to end the death penalty. The project is called “90 Million Strong.” The group said capital punishment is a broken system and that it disproportionately affects … More
In his annual message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis called for a new movement to end human trafficking. With Christmas approaching, he urged consumers to avoid buying products from companies that use exploited labor, saying “purchasing is … More
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