(ANALYSIS) While Pope Francis was presiding over a ceremony at the Vatican to consecrate Ukraine and Russia, a group of high-ranking American bishops met in Chicago. The gathering, entitled “Pope Francis, Vatican II and the Way Forward,” aimed to create a dialogue between theologians and bishops.
Read MoreDuring Lent, many Catholic churches participate in fish fries, a meal containing battered or breaded fried fish. Served every Friday following Ash Wednesday, the meals served during the Christian season of repentance have become a mainstay for many Catholic churches who use them to raise money and build community.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law continues to get media coverage for two reasons: first, Disney’s involvement, and second, the larger notion that DeSantis, a potential 2024 presidential candidate, is “engaging in a culture war.” This remains a political story, a business story and a pop culture story. Is it also a religion story?
Read MoreNamed La’eeb — which FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, said is “an Arabic word meaning super-skilled player” — the World Cup mascot triggered plenty of confusion and scorn on social media. But the mascot was primarily an homage to Arab garments known as the “keffiyeh” and “thawb.”
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in reflects on debate over the use of the term “cult” in religion news stories. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read MorePassover is a time for the Jewish community to reflect on the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, and hosting a Seder is one way families and communities come together to celebrate this biblical event. OneTable and Haggadot.com have joined forces this year to provide people with the tools needed to host their own unique Seder.
Read MoreIf you don’t know much about the Jewish holiday of Passover and are looking to learn more, you might want to consider watching a movie about it. There are many movies that air on television around Passover, but you can also find them on streaming services year-round.
Read More(OPINION) St. Peter’s crashed out of the NCAA Tournament following a defeat to No. 8 North Carolina — but they will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Cinderella teams at the men’s basketball tournament. The Catholic school had made history on Friday, downing Purdue to become the first No. 15 seed in tournament history to advance to the Elite 8.
Read MorePope Francis offered up a special prayer for Ukraine and Russia in connection with a Marian apparition that’s over 100 years old. The pope called on all bishops, priests and believers to join him in the consecration of Ukraine and Russia, an act triggered by a 1917 apocalyptic vision of Mary to three children in the Portuguese city of Fatima.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in comes to you from Bethesda, Maryland, site of the Religion News Association’s 2022 annual meeting. As always, Plug-in highlights the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read MoreThroughout Japan, there is a mixture of Buddhism, Shintoism and Taoism, which are easily recognized within the culture. Respect for nature, as well as reverence for “bodhisattvas” can even be seen in Japanese animations, teaching children and even adults. Here are five animations that have Buddhist themes and references.
Read More(OPINION) A hero to the right and bogeyman to the left, Florida Gov. Ron Desantis has received plenty of mainstream news coverage because of his use of so-called culture war issues to push legislation. But while the Catholicism of President Joe Biden is lauded in some media circles and debated in others, DeSantis’ faith is hardly mentioned.
Read More(REVIEW) Since many Catholics — ones in America in particular — are so carnivorous throughout much of the year, a new cookbook out just in time for Lent focuses on the very dilemma of what to eat on Fridays this month. Scott Hahn’s book “The Lenten Cookbook” from Sophia Institute Press serves up easy-to-make meals this spring.
Read MoreMarch may be all about dressing in green and celebrating St. Patrick, but March Madness has been all about wearing blue and cheering on St. Peter’s in Jersey City. The small Jesuit school socked the field by reaching the Sweet 16 at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in explains why news of sexual harassment inside Christianity Today magazine was so shocking. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read MoreLithuania’s Hill of Crosses, where many visitors have left crosses to honor soldiers who died in uprisings against czarist Russia, has become a site to pray for Ukraine. The history of the Hill of Crosses is unclear. Folklore says the first cross was placed on the hill, formerly the home of a wooden castle, to remind others to pray for mercy and health of people. Soon, crosses began appearing to honor soldiers who died fighting against Russia, which disapproved and repeatedly demolished them.
Read MoreHoli is one of Hinduism’s major festivals celebrating new seasons and joy with colorful powders, bonfires, sweets, singing and dancing. This year Holi falls on March 18.
Read MorePope Francis — in a private video call on March 16 with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church — said religious leaders “must not use the language of politics, but the language of Jesus.” Francis’ remarks to Patriarch Kirill, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, were the latest in a series of moves to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Read MoreMulti-Faith Neighbors Network was co-founded by a Christian pastor, a Muslim imam and a Jewish rabbi to promote international religious freedom and increase cooperation and understanding between the Abrahamic faiths. The friendship between co-founders Bob Roberts Jr., an evangelical pastor in Texas, and Mohamad Magid, an imam in Virginia, illustrates that mission. “Imam Magid is literally one of the best friends I have on the face of the earth,” Roberts said. “I’d rather hang out with him than most Christians I know.”
Read MoreOn March 15 an Indian court upheld a state “hijab ban” that prevents Muslim girls from wearing the head covering at schools. The ruling could set a precedent for other states governed by the ruling Hindu-first Bharatiya Janata Party.
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