Latest Religion and politics News
China offers glimpse of Tibetan life without the Dalai Lama
LHASA, China (AP) — A brisk wind ruffles yellow prayer flags as dozens of Tibetans, some on crutches, circle a shrine in a time-honored Buddhist ritual. Across the street, a red banner spells out a new belief system, one being enforced with increasing fervor, of China's ruling Communist...
UN envoy regrets failure to mediate a Yemen cease-fire
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N.'s outgoing special envoy for Yemen expressed “deep regret” Tuesday that he failed to mediate a cease-fire and peace talks between Yemen’s warring parties, but said he hoped a recent diplomatic effort by Oman “will bear fruit.” ...
Saudi man accused of participating in rebellion executed
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia executed a young man Tuesday who was convicted on charges stemming from his alleged participation in an anti-government rebellion by minority Shiites. A leading rights group said his trial, however, was “deeply flawed.” ...
Louisiana will give child victims more time to file lawsuits
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed legislation removing deadlines for Louisiana's child sex abuse victims to pursue damages in civil court, delivering a victory to survivors of abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy. The new law, taking effect Aug....
Panel OKs House GOP bill to ban employer vaccine mandates
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A ban on employers mandating vaccines for their workers inched ahead in the state House on Tuesday with a committee vote supported by all Republicans and opposed by every Democrat. The main sponsor, Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon, called it “a...
Fla. governor signs bill requiring moment for school prayer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited a South Florida Jewish temple to denounce anti-Semitism and stand with Israel, as the Republican governor cloaked himself in religion Monday while signing a bill into law that would require public schools in his state to set aside...
Nicaragua stages unprecedented roundup of opposition leaders
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — Nicaraguan police have arrested another opposition politician, bringing to six the number detained over the weekend in an unprecedented roundup of opponents of President Daniel Ortega. Five were arrested Sunday, the biggest one-day roundup so...
Egypt court upholds death sentences for 12 over 2013 sit-in
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s highest criminal court Monday upheld the death sentence for 12 people involved in a 2013 protest by Islamists, including leaders of the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, state media reported. The 12 were convicted and sentenced in a mass trial in...
US Catholic bishops meet amid divisions on Communion policy
When U.S. Catholic bishops convene virtually for a national meeting Wednesday, they will be divided ideologically as well as physically. They’re split over whether to press ahead with an initiative that could — at least implicitly — rebuke President Joe Biden for receiving Communion...
EXPLAINER: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new leader?
JERUSALEM (AP) — Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement...
