News
In Namibia's abortion debate, echoes of a repressive history
Activists such as Rosa Namises see the nation's abortion law as an inheritance from a racist government—one that contributes to high maternal death rates.
As Cape Town's water crisis nears 'Day Zero,' faith groups spring into action
Climate change's toll is increasing in South Africa.
Amid detentions and deportation, sanctuary movement persists
Three Indonesian Christians moved into their church in New Jersey—one of more than 30 congregations sheltering people facing deportation.
Churches, local leaders defeat plan to build prison for immigrants
Hundreds of people awaiting deportation hearings would have been incarcerated in Elkhart County, Indiana.
European Catholics grapple with Lord's Prayer translation
Pope Francis has encouraged a new translation—but is also letting local bishops decide which one to use.
Munib Younan, Palestinian Lutheran bishop, passes torch to Sani Ibrahim Azar
Before his consecration as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Azar was a pastor in Jerusalem's Old City for three decades.
Government getting involved in congregational safety
Law enforcement is seeking to forge partnerships with faith leaders. It raises a variety of questions about balancing safety with other concerns.
Wyatt Tee Walker, MLK confidant and civil rights leader, dies
Walker was "a legend in his own right," said the current president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which Walker also led.
Congregations support imprisoned Somali men in Minnesota
Several churches in Minneapolis–St. Paul have funded in-prison education for young men convicted of ISIS involvement and also helped their families. It hasn't been without controversy.
Church-organized protest in Congo leads to arrest of priests and nuns
Church leaders called for the protests after Sunday services to enforce an agreement for the president to step down and allow elections.
Pope's visit to Chile met with protests, anger from abuse survivors
Many Chileans are still furious over Francis appointing a bishop who was connected to a notorious abuser.
George Manneh Weah takes helm in Liberia from fellow Methodist president
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf handed over power in the West African nation's first peaceful transition in decades.
George Lindbeck, a founder of postliberal theology, dies at age 94
He is best known for his 1984 book The Nature of Doctrine and his engagement in the ecumenical movement.
Israel to begin refusing to admit groups leading the BDS movement
The government declared that members of 20 organizations will be barred entry for security reasons as of March 1.
In Israel, a rabbinical plan to help Africans facing deportation
Susan Silverman has proposed the Anne Frank Home Sanctuary movement, calling on members of Rabbis for Human Rights to house asylum-seekers the prime minister plans to deport.
Stressed-out Anglican priests turn to trade unions for support
Last year nearly 1,500 priests joined Unite, one of Britain’s largest unions.
Campus pastor's suspension intensifies denomination's gay marriage debate
Several Evangelical Covenant clergy are facing discipline for participating in a same-sex wedding. Thousands of people connected to the denomination are petitioning for a moratorium on such actions.
Jonathan Z. Smith, religion scholar, dies at age 79
Smith raised fundamental questions about the nature of religion.
Freedom of religion is at heart of struggle for democracy in Asia
The reprisal against former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has created urgency in Indonesia and elsewhere for protecting civil liberties.
Wilmot Collins, who came to U.S. as a refugee, begins work as mayor of Helena, Montana
“He feels he can make a difference, and I think he can,” said a fellow member of Covenant United Methodist Church.