Young Kashmiris are creating and performing new music as therapy to counter the sense of hopelessness, isolation and depression that has gripped their majority-Muslim Himalayan region of North India, which has endured years of conflict, military presence, frequent lockdowns and unpredictable internet bans under a Hindu-first government.
Read More(OPINION) A new bill Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced in California would allow children access, without parental consent or knowledge, to sex-change operations, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and abortions through their family’s insurance plan.
Read MoreThe dedication ceremony paid tribute to Botham Shem Jean, a Christian who died in 2018 when an off-duty police officer entered his apartment in Dallas and shot him.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in summary highlights the controversy over the Southern Baptist Convention executive committee’s handling of a sexual abuse investigation. Plus, catch up on all the week’s best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read More(OPINION) Comedian Norm Macdonald — who died on Sept. 14 after a secret nine-year fight with cancer — wasn't a typical funny man. He openly identified as a Christian, while making it clear that he didn't consider himself a very good one.
Read MoreTrustBridge — an organization founded by atheist-turned-Christian Robert Collins — tries to make it easier for Americans to give directly to foreign ministries. Its approach cuts out the usual intermediary charities, which sometimes take a significant portion off the top for their expenses, while still allowing donors to get a tax deduction.
Read MorePacquiao, 42, announced his retirement from boxing on Sept. 28, weeks after announcing he will run for president in the Philippines election scheduled for May 2022. He has often spoken of his born-again evangelical faith in a country that’s nearly 90% Catholic.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture’s new series called “Portraits of Grace: Honoring Heroes of the COVID-19 Pandemic” offers a space for New Yorkers and Christians to reflect on the pandemic with an eye toward the hopeful.
Read More(OPINION) Celebrating the culmination of Sukkot, thousands of ultra-Orthodox, Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn held hands and danced in the streets this week with yellow flags proclaiming “the Rebbe” as the Messiah and blue flags proclaiming “Trump 2024.”
Read More(ANALYSIS) As the Taliban and the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate are taking over the country, the International Criminal Court says it will investigate crimes as they happen for better monitoring and evidence collection. The move may also trigger quicker action and response from international actors after atrocities happen.
Read MoreThe relic belongs to the first millennial considered for sainthood and was requested by the Diocese of Brooklyn to help reach the younger generation. The Catholic Church placed Carlo Acutis, a computer genius, on the path to sainthood after he coded a website that cataloged miracles and sightings of the Virgin Mary.
Read MoreThe social media accounts of Brian Laundrie, the subject of a federal arrest warrant after the remains of his fiance Gabby Petito were found in Wyoming Sept. 19, reveal an interest in dark themes related to violence, demons and death. One image, for example, shows grim reapers surrounding sheep being led to slaughter.
Read More(OPINION) What if anything at this point, can religious leaders and religion beat journalists do to call attention to the crisis?
Read MoreCourts and police across Kazakhstan have fined at least 15 people and three organizations so far in 2021 for holding meetings for worship or other religious rituals without state permission. “It is not allowed to pray at any location unless it's approved,” an Aktobe police officer said.
Read More(REVIEW) “Midnight Mass,” a Netflix horror miniseries from creator Mike Flanagan, brings viewers to a small island town visited by a mysterious and charismatic priest and his accompanying “angel.” The show explores the enchanting power of miracles and asks Christians to be careful where they direct their worship.
Read More(OPINION) Why is it that, generally speaking, Jews in different parts of the world tend to lean centrist or right — quite the opposite of things here in the U.S? There is an anomaly when it comes to Jewish voting, but Orthodox Jewish voters are looking more like White evangelicals.
Read MoreAn art piece planned to preserve the Christian heritage of the United Kingdom and profile a million answered prayers is coming to life amid data showing increased interest in spirituality and prayer, especially among young people.
Read More(OPINION) Religious minorities in Afghanistan — Sikhs, Hindus, Ahmadis and Christians — still need help to flee the Taliban. Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have intimated that they will allow these Afghans across their borders but only if their transit to other countries is confirmed, a step that the U.S. and U.K. must take quickly.
Read MorePope Francis is no fan of press criticism — especially when it comes from Catholic news outlets on the doctrinal right. In a candid moment during his recent trip to Slovakia, the pontiff’s comments sparked a Catholic media war that again highlights just how polarized Roman Catholics are in the Francis era.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Journalists at local outlets and religious publications understand the need to cover such incidents. It’s only when there is a trend that national news organizations choose to ignore it.
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