How oil burning in a single spoon became a Hanukkah miracle (RNS) — Taped to the front window of my in-laws’ house was a photocopy of a photograph of a tarnished and bent spoon. Of course, there was a story behind it. The post How oil burning in a single spoon became a Hanukkah miracle appeared first on RNS.

The Church of England’s Christmas looks anything but peaceful LONDON (RNS) — Sexual abuse scandals, having caused the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, now threaten to derail another senior cleric, while inviting challenges to England’s primacy in the Anglican Communion. The post The Church of England’s Christmas looks anything but peaceful appeared first on RNS.

Kwanzaa spirit comes to life at Harlem’s mythic Apollo Theather NEW YORK (RNS) — Celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa is centered on seven principles that champion the uplifting of the Black community. The post Kwanzaa spirit comes to life at Harlem’s mythic Apollo Theather appeared first on RNS.

In Israel and occupied territories, Christmas and Hanukkah converge in sober celebrations JERUSALEM (RNS) — Gaza’s tiny Christian community prayed with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who received permission from Israel to visit the parish of the Holy Family in the embattled enclave. The post In Israel and occupied territories, Christmas and Hanukkah converge in sober celebrations appeared first on RNS.

Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah? For some interfaith families, it’s both (RNS) — Two Texas families share how they navigate honoring different religious heritages during the holiday season. The post Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah? For some interfaith families, it’s both appeared first on RNS.

Meditation and religion are two separate things, says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar BOONE, N.C. (RNS) — The spiritual, but not religious, practice of meditation has never been more popular, thanks to renowned teachers like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The post Meditation and religion are two separate things, says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar appeared first on RNS.

The (real) Hanukkah story and why it still matters (RNS) — Old debates continue. The post The (real) Hanukkah story and why it still matters appeared first on RNS.

Grants will support efforts nationwide to strengthen Christian congregations in small towns and rural areas Lilly Endowment Inc. The post Grants will support efforts nationwide to strengthen Christian congregations in small towns and rural areas appeared first on RNS.

At Trump’s inauguration, reports of a pay-to-pray (RNS) — According to a report, you can pray with Trump and Melania. It’ll only cost you $100,000. The post At Trump’s inauguration, reports of a pay-to-pray appeared first on RNS.

Rome and the Vatican prepare to inaugurate the 2025 Jubilee VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Over 35 million pilgrims are expected to visit Rome in 2025 seeking forgiveness of sins and a chance to see the pope. The post Rome and the Vatican prepare to inaugurate the 2025 Jubilee appeared first on RNS.

Interfaith families find meaning in ‘Chrismukkah’ (NPR) — This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas, which means many interfaith homes will be celebrating both holidays. The post Interfaith families find meaning in ‘Chrismukkah’ appeared first on RNS.

Why no campus outcries about Syrian atrocities? (RNS) — You mean you haven’t seen the campus demonstrations about what has happened in Syria? Hmm. The post Why no campus outcries about Syrian atrocities? appeared first on RNS.

Sri Lankan cardinal bans female altar servers, but why? (RNS) — Reckoning the cost of an archbishop having his way. The post Sri Lankan cardinal bans female altar servers, but why? appeared first on RNS.

New ‘Sacred Songs’ builds on Ailey Dance Theater’s spiritual repertoire NEW YORK (RNS) — ‘Sacred Songs,’ choreographed by interim artistic director Matthew Rushing, reimagines music omitted from the group’s signature work, ‘Revelations,’ 64 years after its premiere. The post New ‘Sacred Songs’ builds on Ailey Dance Theater’s spiritual repertoire appeared first on RNS.

In Bethlehem, a Christian pastor says a year of protest for Palestinians shows few gains (RNS) — Asked about Mike Huckabee potentially becoming the U.S. ambassador to Israel, the Rev. Munther Isaac called the prospect ‘frightening,’ adding, ‘Huckabee presents himself, at least, as a man who does not live in reality.’ The post In Bethlehem, a Christian pastor says a year of protest for Palestinians shows few gains appeared first on RNS.

Reflections on my mother’s last days (RNS) — For a few short, eternal weeks, nestled inside that bed, gestation was reversed. The post Reflections on my mother’s last days appeared first on RNS.

After shooting, Wisconsin school and church lean into Christmas message for comfort Decked in holiday light displays and a Nativity scene, the evangelical, nondenominational church with over 1,200 members also hosted a vigil service Tuesday. The post After shooting, Wisconsin school and church lean into Christmas message for comfort appeared first on RNS.

More than 60 years later, Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ is a pillar of African American theater (The Conversation) — ‘Black Nativity’ may be different each time you see it − and that’s exactly what the playwright had in mind. The post More than 60 years later, Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ is a pillar of African American theater appeared first on RNS.

At Hanukkah, a celebration of eternal light − from the desert tabernacle to synagogues today (The Conversation) — The Hanukkah story centers on rekindling the eternal light in the Temple, a symbol of God’s presence. Similarly, the Ner Tamid above the ark in synagogues is never supposed to go out. The post At Hanukkah, a celebration of eternal light − from the desert tabernacle to synagogues today appeared first on RNS.

Biden commutes sentences of 37 on federal death row, three remain WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level,’ Biden said in his statement. The post Biden commutes sentences of 37 on federal death row, three remain appeared first on RNS.