Latest Religion and politics News
NC governor again vetoes gun-rights bill for more churches
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed gun-rights legislation on Friday that would allow parishioners at more churches to be armed, marking the second year in a row that he's blocked the idea. The legislation affirms that people going to religious...
US Catholic bishops OK steps toward possible rebuke of Biden
U.S. Catholic bishops overwhelmingly approved the drafting of a “teaching document” that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, for receiving Communion despite their support for abortion rights. The decision, vehemently...
Catholic foster care agency wins Supreme Court verdict
WASHINGTON (AP) — In another victory for religious groups at the Supreme Court, the justices on Thursday unanimously sided with a Catholic foster care agency that says its religious views prevent it from working with same-sex couples. The court said the city of Philadelphia wrongly limited...
AP Interview: Tibet exile leader hopes to resume China talks
DHARMSALA, India (AP) — The new president of the Tibetan exile government said on Thursday he will do his best to resume a dialogue with China after more than a decade, and that a visit by the Dalai Lama to Tibet could be the best step forward. The Buddhist spiritual...
Heated debate before US Catholic bishops vote on Communion
In impassioned debate Thursday, U.S. Catholic bishops clashed over how to address concerns about Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, who continue to receive Communion despite supporting abortion rights. Some bishops said a strong rebuke of Biden is needed...
High court ruling cited in Kentucky child services dispute
Republicans turned up pressure on Kentucky's Democratic governor Thursday to renew a contract with a Baptist-affiliated children's agency, reacting to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling they say should settle the dispute between religious beliefs and gay rights. Gov. Andy...
N. Ireland Unionist leader ousted amid turmoil in party
LONDON (AP) — The leader of the senior party in Northern Ireland's government resigned late Thursday after colleagues revolted over a deal to appoint new leaders to the Protestant-Catholic power-sharing administration. Edwin Poots, who was elected just a month ago,...
State GOP chair battling party members over anti-gay email
BOSTON (AP) — In a state where Republicans struggle against lopsided odds, Massachusetts GOP Party Chair Jim Lyons has found himself in a scorched political battle — not with Democrats, but with members of his own party, including the state’s top Republican, Gov. Charlie Baker. ...
Montenegro minister ousted over Srebrenica genocide denial
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegrin lawmakers on Thursday ousted a pro-Serb government minister who has denied the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica and passed a resolution condemning the massacre, in a vote that has shaken the new government and exposed a rift within the Balkan country’s...
UN chief criticizes Central African Republic forces' actions
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly criticized the Central African Republic’s security and allied forces in a new report for an “unprecedented increase in hostile threats and incidents” targeting U.N. peacekeepers and alleged human rights abuses. ...
