What the history of blasphemy laws in the US and the fight for religious freedom can teach us today (The Conversation) — The US has a long history of blasphemy laws, which reflect the complex fight for freedom of religion and speech. The post What the history of blasphemy laws in the US and the fight for religious freedom can teach us today appeared first on RNS.

Self-exiled Turkish spiritual leader Fethullah Gülen dies in the US SAYLORSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gülen, who spent the last decades of his life in self-exile in a gated compound in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, espoused a philosophy that blended Sufism with staunch advocacy of democracy, education, science and interfaith dialogue. The post Self-exiled Turkish spiritual leader Fethullah Gülen dies in the US appeared…

In letter citing Pope Francis, Vatican doctrine czar ends push for women deacons (RNS) — The issue of women deacons had been a major theme of the current Vatican synod on how to make the Catholic Church more welcoming and transparent. The post In letter citing Pope Francis, Vatican doctrine czar ends push for women deacons appeared first on RNS.

Stop taking Bonhoeffer’s name in vain, his relatives and scholars warn Eric Metaxas, Project 2025 (RNS) — Scholars and family members of the famed theologian worry conservatives will use a new Bonhoeffer movie to promote Christian nationalism and political violence. The post Stop taking Bonhoeffer’s name in vain, his relatives and scholars warn Eric Metaxas, Project 2025 appeared first on RNS.

Synodality demands transparency and accountability from bishops VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Synodality requires a commitment of time and energy from bishops and laypeople, but it will be worth it. The post Synodality demands transparency and accountability from bishops appeared first on RNS.

‘Not an act of God.’ How the Rev. Richard Joyner became a farmer, then a climate activist (RNS) — Richard Joyner has a new rejoinder to his congregants: ‘God is not flooding the land. Our behavior is destroying the environment.’ The post ‘Not an act of God.’ How the Rev. Richard Joyner became a farmer, then a climate activist appeared first on RNS.

Ukraine’s independent Orthodox Christians may tear the country apart (RNS) — The Ukraine government needs to make sure Christians loyal to Moscow still feel free to worship. The post Ukraine’s independent Orthodox Christians may tear the country apart appeared first on RNS.

National Fund for Sacred Places awards $4 million for preservation of historic houses of worship (RNS) — ‘This year we received nearly 500 applications, up 31% from last year,’ said Rachel Hildebrandt, director of the National Fund for Sacred Places. The post National Fund for Sacred Places awards $4 million for preservation of historic houses of worship appeared first on RNS.

We’re Going Forward: Wajahat Ali Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Daily Beast columnist, author and public speaker Wajahat Ali The post We’re Going Forward: Wajahat Ali appeared first on Religion News Service.

What is the ERLC and why do Southern Baptists keep getting mad at its leader? (RNS) — Turmoil at the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission has increased calls to disband the denomination’s public policy arm, but some SBC pastors say it can and should be saved. The post What is the ERLC and why do Southern Baptists keep getting mad at its leader? appeared first on Religion News Service.

Photos of the Week: Netanyahu at Capitol; Paraguayan bird saint (RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing a joint session of Congress, Paraguayans celebrating a saint with bird costumes and more. The post Photos of the Week: Netanyahu at Capitol; Paraguayan bird saint appeared first on Religion News Service.

Ascension adds nine Illinois hospitals to string of sales (RNS) — Thursday’s announcement is the latest in a string of other Ascension sale announcements as the system shifts focus to outpatient care and telehealth. The post Ascension adds nine Illinois hospitals to string of sales appeared first on Religion News Service.

How Kamala Harris and JD Vance appeal to Hindu voters (RNS) — In the 100-plus days before Election Day, Harris has an opportunity to re-engage Hindu voters. The post How Kamala Harris and JD Vance appeal to Hindu voters appeared first on Religion News Service.

Ahead of Olympics, French Catholics hold prayer vigil for athletes “It got to my heart,” said Joseph Green, a sprinter from Guam. The post Ahead of Olympics, French Catholics hold prayer vigil for athletes  appeared first on Religion News Service.

Could the White House become a Jewish home? (RNS) — American Jews can’t at once crave powerlessness and invisibility. The post Could the White House become a Jewish home? appeared first on Religion News Service.

Sonya Massey said ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ What’s the significance? (RNS) — Massey’s near-final words, said shortly before she was fatally shot by a deputy, have taken on a life of their own. The post Sonya Massey said ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ What’s the significance? appeared first on Religion News Service.

A Consistent Reading of Science and Faith The Ethics of Evidence Foundation The post A Consistent Reading of Science and Faith appeared first on Religion News Service.

Lincoln called for divided Americans to heed their ‘better angels’ (The Conversation) — Keeping the United States together meant more than defeating the Confederacy. Lincoln first had to unite a fractured North. The post Lincoln called for divided Americans to heed their ‘better angels’ appeared first on Religion News Service.

Inquiry finds 200,000 people were abused in care in New Zealand over decades in ‘national disgrace’ WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The report singled out churches, particularly the Catholic Church. As many as 42% of those in faith-based care by all denominations were abused, according to a report produced for the inquiry. The post Inquiry finds 200,000 people were abused in care in New Zealand over decades in ‘national disgrace’ appeared first…

Catholic Rio Grande Valley migrant shelter wins victory against Texas AG It’s the latest legal defeat for a Republican-led investigation of Catholic migrant shelters. The post Catholic Rio Grande Valley migrant shelter wins victory against Texas AG appeared first on Religion News Service.