Latest Religion and politics News
Muslim leader for Scotland a sign of UK political diversity
LONDON (AP) — Humza Yousaf was confirmed as first minister of Scotland on Tuesday, becoming the first person of color to head the Scottish government, and the first Muslim national leader in any Western democracy. The milestone comes five months after the U.K. got its first Hindu...
Tensions on the rise at revered Kyiv monastery complex
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The courtyards of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have been busy with more than just the usual worshippers, going to and from its churches in the sprawling monastic complex that is Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site. Also busy Friday were people in civilian...
U.S. bishops' new guidelines aim to limit trans health care
United States Catholic bishops have issued guidelines that seek to stop Catholic hospitals from providing gender transition care, a move LGBTQ advocates say could harm the physical and emotional health of transgender people within the church. The 14-page doctrinal note, titled...
Biden pays tribute to Iranian women at Nowruz celebration
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden used a White House event to mark Persian New Year on Monday to pay tribute to Iranian women and girls who took to the streets of Iran to protest following the death last year of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and vowed to keep pressure on Tehran. ...
Haley, Ramaswamy among those taking on 'woke ideology' in SC
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Republicans who are seeking to lead their party in the 2024 presidential race gathered in South Carolina this weekend with a goal at the forefront of their agenda: taking on “woke ideology.” On Saturday in North Charleston, the group Palmetto...
Mormon Church gives water to boost imperiled Great Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Donating a small reservoir's worth of water rights to Utah's Great Salt Lake. Replacing grass with rocks and water-wise landscaping around neatly manicured churches. Reducing water use by more than one-third outside the headquarters in Salt Lake City's Temple Square. These...
Argentina's initial fervor for Pope Francis has faded
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — When Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, much of his home country celebrated as if it had just won a soccer World Cup championship. A decade later, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church generates divided opinions and much less fervor....
Trump vs. DeSantis: Florida pastors mull conservative issues
DORAL, Florida (AP) — Several of Florida’s conservative faith leaders have the ear of two early frontrunners for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination – former President Donald Trump, who lives in Palm Beach, and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The clergy's top political priorities...
At a glance: Jehovah's Witness beliefs, history in Germany
A gunman attacked a service held by his former congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses at their worship hall on Thursday night, killing six people and injuring eight before taking his own life in the northern German city of Hamburg, officials said. The international Christian...
Miami faith community strains to help new exiles, migrants
HIALEAH, Florida (AP) — A few days after selling all she had to flee Cuba with her three children on a crowded boat, Daneilis Tamayo raised her hand in praise and sang the rousing opening hymn at Sunday worship in this Miami suburb. “The only thing that gave me strength is the...
