German Catholics will bless same-sex couples, defying Vatican ban
Germany’s powerful Catholic progressives are openly defying a recent Holy See pronouncement that priests cannot bless same-sex unions.
Hamas fires rockets into Israel after clashes at revered mosque
Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip say a total of 20 people, including nine children, have been killed in fighting with Israel — making it one of the bloodiest days of fighting in several years.
Italian judge on the path to sainthood after getting killed by mobsters
A magistrate slain by mobsters in Sicily and praised by two popes has been beatified by the Roman Catholic church on Sunday in the last formal step before possible sainthood.
Catholic bishops debate if Biden should receive communion given abortion stance
There’s a deep gulf between Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco and Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego in the high-stakes debate over whether politicians who support abortion rights should be denied Communion
Faith leaders oppose ‘heartbeat bill’ measures at Texas Capitol
Those opposed to SB 8 say the legal liability is too broad. It’s claimed that under the law a rapist could sue the family members of his victim if they recommend an abortion should be done.
Clergy sex abuse probe launched by Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul
Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a statewide initiative, led by the Wisconsin DOJ, which will review reports of clergy and faith leader abuse.
San Francisco unveils prayer rooms at high-volume vaccination sites during Ramadan
Taking its cue from New York City, San Francisco decided to open up prayer rooms at high-volume vaccination sites during Ramadan and beyond.
Florida church leader, family indicted for allegedly selling bleach as fake COVID-19 cure
A family accused of selling a toxic industrial bleach as a coronavirus cure through their church has been indicted on federal charges.
Immigrants in sanctuary churches get temporary deportation relief
Both Hilda Ramirez and Alirio Gamez say they have won one-year stays of removal, gaining a long-awaited reprieve from the threat of deportation.
California lifts COVID-19 limits on indoor worship services following US Supreme Court rulings
California lifted its limits on indoor worship services in the face of U.S. Supreme Court rulings that struck down the coronavirus public health mandates. However, the state still said indoor gatherings were “strongly discouraged” and advised limiting the numbers to 25% of a building’s capacity.
Poll: 40% of evangelical Protestants, largest religious group in US, hesitant to get COVID-19 vaccine
A recent photo posted online of the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest evangelical denomination, getting the COVID-19 vaccine drew more than 1,100 comments.
'This is scandalous': Pope decries war, weapons spending amid the pandemic in Easter message
“The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless — and this is scandalous — armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,'' Francis said, sounding angry. “That is today's scandal.”
Christians celebrate second Easter marred by COVID-19 pandemic
Christianity’s most joyous feast day is being celebrated worldwide with faithful sitting far apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings for the second Easter Sunday.
Iraqi Christians reenact Jesus carrying the cross on Good Friday
An Iraqi man was filmed carrying a wood cross through a small village in northern Iraq, one of many observances held to commemorate the Christian holiday of Good Friday.
Notre Dame: '15 or 20 years' needed for restoration after fire, rector says
The rector of Notre Dame said Friday that the burned-out Paris cathedral and its esplanade could remain a building site for another “15 or 20 years.”
Some Holy Land sites reopen as Christians mark Good Friday
Christians in the Holy Land are marking Good Friday this year amid signs the coronavirus crisis is winding down.
US church membership falls below 50% for 1st time in nearly a century
For the first time since the late 1930s, less than half of Americans say they belong to a church, synagogue or mosque, according to a new Gallup poll.
New Dead Sea Scrolls dating back nearly 2,000 years discovered in Israel
The new Dead Sea Scroll fragments bearing a biblical text are believed to have been hidden during a Jewish revolt against Rome nearly 1,900 years ago.
Vatican says Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions as God ‘can’t bless sin’
The Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued a formal response Monday to a question about whether Catholic clergy can bless gay unions.
Pennsylvania church treasurer accused of stealing $150G to fuel porn addiction
A Pennsylvania church treasurer is accused of stealing over $150,000 from the house of worship to fuel his addiction to porn, according to reports.