Posts in Religion
In Rural Oklahoma, A Ukrainian Priest Prays For His Mother — And His Homeland

At a small Ukrainian Orthodox church in Oklahoma, a priest worries about his mother, brother and other loved ones caught in harm’s way. At Sunday’s service, the Rev. Stepan Bilogan and other believers prayed for peace in their homeland.

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Russia Attacks Ukraine: Why Some Experts Insist Putin Is Motivated By Religion

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the role that some experts see religion playing in Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the week’s best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Pope Francis Asks World Christians To Set Aside A Day Of Prayer For Peace In Ukraine

Following days of rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis called on Christians around the world to fast and pray for peace this coming Ash Wednesday. Before ending his general audience at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, the pontiff said believers should fight “the diabolical senselessness of violence” that has engulfed the Russian-Ukraine border.

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‘Baptism-Gate’ And The News Media's Use Of Wrong Experts On Big Catholic Stories

(OPINION) Yes, baptism-gate has been all the rage. News coverage of it, however, has not been so good. The specifics of the doctrines surrounding baptism are often too difficult for many journalists to write about fairly. When they do tackle these issues, they tend to assume the Vatican is wrong and rigid. After all, the experts they consult agree with that very notion.

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How Canada Truckers' Protest Parallels American-Style Christian Nationalism

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the parallels to American-style Christian nationalism in Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Plus, catch up, as always, on the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Tennis Star And Orthodox Believer Novak Djokovic Refuses To Get Vaccinated

Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic says he’s willing to miss more major tournaments after he was forced to sit out the Australian Open because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. An eccentric Orthodox Christian, Djokovic’s faith plays a role in his decision to skip vaccines even if it costs him titles and jeopardizes his ranking as the world’s top men’s tennis player.

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NBA's Enes Kanter Freedom Lives His New Name As A Muslim American

Enes Kanter Freedom’s efforts go far beyond the basketball court. He is one of the most outspoken basketball players and athletes at the professional level when it comes to activism, standing up for religious freedom and the oppressed. He’s been one of the few pro athletes willing to criticize China for its treatment of religious minorities.

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5 Books About African American Catholics To Read During Black History Month

(REVIEW) February is Black History Month, and it’s a reminder of the many contributions Black Americans have made to the culture, life and history of the United States. Often overlooked is the relationship between African Americans and the Roman Catholic Church in this country. Here are five books that delve into their history and why it matters.

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Pope Benedict XVI: Has His Legacy Been Tarnished Forever?

(ANALYSIS) The focus the past few weeks has been on Germany and the involvement of Benedict XVI in the handling of some abuse cases, decades before he became a key church official in Rome and, eventually, pope. This was also long before the church adopted stricter policies on how to handle cases of clergy sexual abuse.

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Online Church And Virtual Spirituality In The Pandemic Age: Can We Have A Wordle, Please?

This week’s Weekend Plug-in goes high-tech — with stories about online worship, virtual reality church and Wordle as ritual. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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NFL Standout Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp Furthers Faith And Football Family Legacy

(ANALYSIS) Cooper Kupp is a well-known name across football who helped punch the Rams’ ticket to the NFC championship in 2022. But above all, what’s most noticeable is Kupp’s character and Christian faith.

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'We have to stop hate': Why it's important to remember the Holocaust

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights coverage of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and presents a special panel discussion. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Is It Immoral To Watch The Winter Olympics Given China’s Humanitarian Violations?

(OPINION) There’s nothing pious about the modern Olympic Games. The modern version, organized by the International Olympic Committee, is more spectacle than spirit. The looming Winter Games, however, have triggered a reaction among some that has large moral implications — are you a bad person for watching the Olympics?

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Texas Synagogue Hostage Standoff Highlights Media's Failure To Cover Attacks On Worship Places

(OPINION) The many cases of anti-Catholic vandalism have been documented by me here in recent years. Also well-documented has been the number of professionals in the mainstream media who keep overlooking such criminal activities.These incidents just keep happening, yet they continue to be given little to no mainstream news coverage.

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A Personal Connection To Synagogue Where Hostages Were Taken, Plus 5 Key Storylines

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the top storylines that have emerged after last weekend’s hostage standoff at a Texas synagogue. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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This Innovative Christian Homeless Shelter Is Rising To California's Housing Challenge

With 12 campuses across the California county, Orange County Rescue Mission plays a vital role in combating the homeless crisis. The Village of Hope — set apart from other emergency housing facilities by its commitment to aesthetic design — houses up to 270 men, women and children as part of its residential, back-to-work recovery program.

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'Spotlight' On Clergy Sex Abuse 20 years Later Shows Why Journalism Matters

(OPINION) Jan. 6 means different things to people. This year, the date became a polarizing remembrance of the U.S. Capitol insurrection, riots or whatever else one calls it. For Clemente, this Jan. 6 marked a special anniversary — the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Boston Globe “Spotlight” team’s investigation into predator priests.

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What Will Be The Top Religion Stories Of 2022? Here Are A Few Leading Possibilities

What stories will be religion reporters be chasing in 2022? This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights a few leading candidates. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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