Martin E. Marty, religion historian and ‘churchman in the most serious way,’ dies at 97 (RNS) — Marty was a giant in the study of American Christianity and the fundamentalist movement in major faiths around the globe. He was also a warmhearted friend, mentor and pastor to many. The post Martin E. Marty, religion historian and ‘churchman in the most serious way,’ dies at 97 appeared first on RNS.

Conservative Christian media leaders disagree over Trump’s treatment of AP GRAPEVINE, Texas (RNS) — Normally supportive of the president’s decisions, attendees at the annual conference of religious broadcasters expressed ambivalence about a squabble over what to call the Gulf of Mexico. The post Conservative Christian media leaders disagree over Trump’s treatment of AP appeared first on RNS.

Vatican says Pope Francis continues to improve but his prognosis remains guarded ROME (AP) — For the second day in a row, doctors avoided saying Francis was in critical condition. The post Vatican says Pope Francis continues to improve but his prognosis remains guarded appeared first on RNS.

Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading? While it’s not immediately clear which Mennonite community has been affected, the Gaines County area includes a community with a distinctive history. The post Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading? appeared first on RNS.

Jews cannot remain silent about the murders of Christians in Congo (RNS) — The world is silent when they kill Jews. Let Jews not be silent when they kill Christians. The post Jews cannot remain silent about the murders of Christians in Congo appeared first on RNS.

In ‘House of David,’ can the Old Testament inspire a TV hit? (RNS) — Amid the runaway success of ‘The Chosen,’ biblical dramas are having a moment. The post In ‘House of David,’ can the Old Testament inspire a TV hit? appeared first on RNS.

Photos of the Week: Pope Francis’ health; War anniversary (RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes Pope Francis’ health issues, the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and more. The post Photos of the Week: Pope Francis’ health; War anniversary appeared first on RNS.

Decline in American Christian observance has slowed, Pew study finds (RNS) – ‘The U.S. is a spiritual place, a religious place, where we’ve seen signs of religious stabilization in the midst of longer-term decline,’ said Gregory Smith, a senior associate director of research at Pew Research Center. The post Decline in American Christian observance has slowed, Pew study finds appeared first on RNS.

Doctors say Pope Francis’ health shows ‘slight improvement’ (RNS) — The pope’s mild kidney failure is under control, tests showed. The post Doctors say Pope Francis’ health shows ‘slight improvement’ appeared first on RNS.

Boycotts accompany prayer as faith leaders prepare for a Lent of protest (RNS) — The Rev. Jamal Bryant said he hopes 100,000 ‘conscientious Christians’ will have signed up by March 5 to mark the ‘season of denial’ by fasting from shopping at Target. The post Boycotts accompany prayer as faith leaders prepare for a Lent of protest appeared first on RNS.

Where are the grown-ups? (RNS) — Childlike behavior among adults, especially those in positions of authority and power, is off the charts right now. The post Where are the grown-ups? appeared first on RNS.

Trump barrage of executive orders can only impose as much injustice as we allow (RNS) — Most startling is not the dismantling of government agencies that help others, but the public’s tolerance for these actions. The post Trump barrage of executive orders can only impose as much injustice as we allow appeared first on RNS.

At international Chabad conference, emissaries celebrate Jewish women’s leadership (RNS) — When he took over the Chabad movement, the Rebbe began sending out couples as emissaries, leading women to take on more responsibilities. The post At international Chabad conference, emissaries celebrate Jewish women’s leadership appeared first on RNS.

Faith groups claim legal victories on refugees, ICE raids at houses of worship (RNS) — ‘The courts are still working in this country,’ said Mark Hetfield, head of HIAS, a Jewish organization that works with refugees. ‘Thank God.’ The post Faith groups claim legal victories on refugees, ICE raids at houses of worship appeared first on RNS.

Faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility (The Conversation) — The German peasants were among the first to try to unlock the revolutionary potential of Reformation teachings to fight social and economic injustice. The post Faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility appeared first on RNS.

Butchers, bakers, candlestick-makers − and prostitutes: The women working behind the scenes in papal Avignon (The Conversation) — Women’s work may not have been glamorous, but it was vital to the workings of the pope’s court and surrounding city. The post Butchers, bakers, candlestick-makers − and prostitutes: The women working behind the scenes in papal Avignon appeared first on RNS.

FEZANA announces historic ‘Zoroastrian Days’ at Texas State Capitol, Rice University, March 5 and 6 FEZANA The post FEZANA announces historic ‘Zoroastrian Days’ at Texas State Capitol, Rice University, March 5 and 6 appeared first on RNS.

Pope Francis’ friends around Rome pray for him as he fights pneumonia ROME (AP) — Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope, and over time found his favorite shops and artisans who are now pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia. The post Pope Francis’ friends around Rome pray for him as he fights pneumonia appeared first on RNS.

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces a key deadline. Will it last? Israel is reportedly seeking an extension of the first phase to secure the freedom of more captives. Negotiations over the second phase will be even more contentious. The post The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces a key deadline. Will it last? appeared first on RNS.

As some Jewish philanthropists withdraw funding, others are standing up for Palestinian causes (RNS) — A newer group of Jewish philanthropists has begun to challenge restrictions in funding to organizations critical of Israel. The post As some Jewish philanthropists withdraw funding, others are standing up for Palestinian causes appeared first on RNS.