Latest Religion and politics News

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi

Dec. 28, 2024 08:35 AM EST

NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, was cremated after a state funeral on Saturday as politicians and the public mourned his death. The veteran leader, who was also credited...

Leaders and politicians pay homage to India’s former prime minister, Manmohan Singh

Dec. 27, 2024 02:46 AM EST

NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities in India have declared a seven-day mourning period to honor Manmohan Singh, officials said Friday, as politicians and public paid tributes to the country’s former prime minister widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program. ...

Sectarian violence in Syria has been less intense than feared since Assad's ouster

Dec. 21, 2024 00:15 AM EST

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule. While there have been bursts of deadly sectarian violence in the days since Assad was ousted, it’s nothing...

Deadly violence in Nigeria linked to breakup of United Methodist Church over LGBTQ policies

Dec. 17, 2024 18:34 PM EST

A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service. The news service said the reported violence on Sunday stemmed from a schism in the worldwide United...

Black denomination upholds stance against same-sex marriage. A gay pastor in its ranks seeks change

Dec. 12, 2024 10:47 AM EST

When the African Methodist Episcopal Church, arguably the world’s largest independent Black Protestant denomination, held its quadrennial General Conference in Ohio in August, among the agenda items was an issue that the Rev. Jennifer S. Leath had labored over for two decades: same-sex marriage....

Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election

Nov. 30, 2024 11:10 AM EST

CHICAGO (AP) — In the days after the presidential election, Sadie Perez began carrying pepper spray with her around campus. Her mom also ordered her and her sister a self-defense kit that included keychain spikes, a hidden knife key and a personal alarm. It’s a response to an...

4 killed after a survey of a mosque sparks clashes in a northern Indian city

Nov. 25, 2024 09:03 AM EST

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Authorities closed schools and suspended internet services in a northern Indian city on Monday, officials said, a day after four people were killed in clashes sparked by an official survey probing whether a 16th-century mosque was built on a Hindu temple. ...

Modi's party heads for victory in Maharashtra state election while opposition wins Jharkhand

Nov. 23, 2024 10:47 AM EST

NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's...

Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad

Nov. 22, 2024 08:13 AM EST

A social-media tribute to Coptic Christians. A billboard in Amish country. A visit to a revered Jewish gravesite. While Donald Trump's lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, he and his campaign allies also wooed smaller religious groups, far from the mainstream. ...

Iran's vast collection of Western art, much long hidden, re-emerges despite high tensions with US

Nov. 22, 2024 04:14 AM EST

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — As Iran faces increasing tensions with the West and turmoil at home, a new exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art is displaying Western artwork including pieces not seen by the public in at least a decade. The unveiling of the exhibition “Eye to...