(OPINION) Pope Francis — a week after the dust settled from his decision not to create an Amazonian rite that would have allowed married men to serve as priests and women as deacons — continues to garner news coverage as Catholic progressives and traditionalists debate what it all means.
Read More(OPINION) In a surprise move, Francis rejected a proposal on Wednesday that had called for married men in remote areas of the Amazon to serve as priests, a decision widely seen as a victory for conservative Catholics who feared such an exception would eventually lift the celibacy requirement of clergy around the world.
Read MoreRepresentatives gathered in Colombia for the first inter-American Lutheran conference to share ideas and support in their mission to care for migrants, especially children in detention centers.
Read More(NEWS ANALYSIS) At the launch on Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed the ever-growing need to combat the increasing violence based on religion or belief, including “terrorists and violent extremists who target religious minorities, whether they are Yazidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma” and “the Chinese Communist Party’s hostility to all faiths.”
Read MoreAfter cult leaders murdered a pregnant woman and five children in Panama, Christians there were quick to condemn the violence.
Read More(OPINION) Arguments got heated and continued at a slow burn. One commentator even wrote to the Vatican requesting information about a ceremonial plant in a bowl.
Read MoreRetired Pope Benedict XVI issued a strongly-worded defense for priestly celibacy — countering his successor Pope Francis who’s been considering allowing married men to be ordained in the Amazon to deal with a shortage in that part of the world.
Read MoreThe Media Project staff, board and members worldwide submitted nominations for the best efforts in religion journalism that we admired most in 2019.
Read More(OPINION) This time of year brings with it pieces looking back on the biggest stories of the year. It’s also a time to look ahead. The coming year will certainly be a busy one once again for journalists who cover Catholicism, Pope Francis and the church’s hierarchy.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Americans continue to be generous — but churches and some faith-based groups have suffered the most these days when it comes to donations. A drop in donations to these non-profits would also have a global impact.
Read More(OPINION) By year’s end, Pope Francis is expected to make a pronouncement about some of Catholicism’s most long-debated traditions.
Read More(OPINION) If you really want to see this movie, then definitely do your homework and read the very good reporting that went beyond the fawning reviews.
Read MoreThousands of Venezuelans flocking to church each year at this time traditionally ask for help overcoming illness or conceiving a child. But many faithful say the economic crisis driving the exodus of millions has made them ask for something bigger than themselves.
Read MoreThe Mexican government has granted political asylum to the resigning Bolivian president Evo Morales as violent protests spread throughout the South American nation in response to accusations of electoral fraud. The overthrow had elements of both politics and religion.
Read More(OPINION) Let’s start with a loaded question. But it’s a questions that journalists really need to ask, because of trends during recent events in Catholic life. Is the Vatican’s press office helping to push a progressive agenda that could forever change the Catholic church?
Read More(OPINION) The battle for the future direction of the church was played out among the bishops who participated in the synod aimed at addressing issues affecting Catholicism in the region of the Amazon that encompasses a great swath of South America. It’s ramifications, however, could very well impact the global church.
Read MoreFor the first time in Brazil’s history, evangelical Christians have the political representation to create laws that fit their religious convictions. Kivitz, pastor of Brazil’s most influential evangelical megachurch, reaffirms the right of Christians to defend their values in the public sphere but not to impose them on the whole of society.
Read More(OPINION) For many, Halloween is some extension of witchcraft and paganism. It’s a holiday, some Christians believe, that is celebrated by satanists. It is also a big part of Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism. That’s the part most often overlooked by the mainstream news media.
Read MoreA discussion in Rome this week will include whether the church should allow flexibility in its traditional vow of celibacy for priests to ordain married men in the remote Amazon. The decision could very well impact Catholicism around the world.
Read MoreConsidered the most important holiday on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is also known as the day of atonement. It begins at sundown on October 8 and ends at nightfall the following day. The holy day also marks the end of the “10 Days of Repentance.”
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