Latest Religion News
Spain approves plan to compensate victims of Catholic Church sex abuse. Church will be asked to pay
MADRID (AP) — Spain on Tuesday approved a plan aimed at making reparation and economic compensation for victims of sex abuse committed by people connected to the Catholic Church. It also announced the future celebration of a public act of recognition for those affected and their...
United Methodists open first top-level conference since breakup over LGBTQ inclusion
Thousands of United Methodists are gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their big denominational meeting, known as General Conference. It’s a much-anticipated gathering. Typically it is held every four years, but church leaders delayed the 2020 gathering until now due to...
Modi is accused of using hate speech for calling Muslims 'infiltrators' at an Indian election rally
NEW DELHI (AP) — India's main opposition party accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using hate speech after he called Muslims “infiltrators" — some of his most incendiary rhetoric about the minority faith, days after the country began its weekslong general election. The...
With graduation near, colleges seek to balance safety and students' right to protest Gaza war
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The University of Michigan is informing students of the rules for upcoming graduation ceremonies: Banners and flags are not allowed. Protests are OK but in designated areas away from the cap-and-gown festivities. The University of Southern California...
Man charged with hate crime for vandalizing Islamic center at Rutgers, prosecutors say
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A man accused of vandalizing an Islamic center at New Jersey’s flagship university on the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr has been charged with a hate crime, federal prosecutors announced Monday. Jacob Beacher, 24, of North Plainfield, faces single counts...
Iowa lawmakers address immigration, religious freedom and taxes in 2024 session
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After a marathon day that stretched into Saturday's early hours, Iowa lawmakers wrapped up a four-month legislative session that focused on reforming the way special education is managed and speeding up tax cuts. The Republican-led General Assembly also waded into issues...
Mexico's likely next president has a Jewish origin. Is that relevant in a deeply Catholic country?
MEXICO CITY (AP) — By mid-2024, Claudia Sheinbaum will most likely become Mexico’s first female president. She would also be its first leader with a Jewish background in a country that’s home to nearly 100 million Catholics. On June 2, voters will choose a new president, 628...
Tunisian Jews scale back annual pilgrimage to ancient synagogue because of security concerns
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Jewish Tunisians who organize an annual pilgrimage to one of the world’s oldest synagogues are planning a scaled-down event next month, citing concerns about security less than a year after a deadly shooting there shook their community. Thousands regularly...
London police to meet with Jewish leaders as protests spark concerns about the safety of Jews
LONDON (AP) — London's police commissioner will meet with senior members of the Jewish community on Monday after the force bungled its apology for suggesting an "openly Jewish'' man's presence along the route of a pro-Palestinian march risked provoking the demonstrators. Amid calls...
Lama Rod describes himself as a Black Buddhist Southern Queen. He wants to free you from suffering
ROME, Ga (AP) — Instead of traditional maroon and gold Tibetan Buddhist robes, Lama Rod Owens wore a white animal print cardigan over a bright yellow T-shirt with an image of singer Sade, an Africa-shaped medallion and mala beads — the most recognizable sign of his Buddhism. ...
