Religion News

Diwali fireworks advisory issued despite warnings it might be discriminatory: emails

OTTAWA — At least two Environment Canada meteorologists warned that linking Diwali fireworks to air pollution in an air quality advisory could be perceived as discriminatory, internal emails show, but the advisory was still published.

Oct 2, 2023 2:00 PM Read more >

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on

Oct 2, 2023 2:00 PM Read more >

Book Review: Poet recalls stormy life growing up Rastafari in Jamaica and her struggle to break free

It’s not unusual for an autobiography to chart a person’s passage from rags to riches, ignorance to enlightenment, or bondage to freedom.

Oct 2, 2023 9:03 AM Read more >

Clergy abuse survivors propose new 'zero tolerance' law following outcry over Vatican appointment

ROME (AP) — Clergy sexual abuse survivors on Monday unveiled a proposed new church law calling for the permanent removal of abusive priests and superiors who covered for them, as they stepped up their outrage over Pope Francis’ choice to head the Vat

Oct 2, 2023 8:48 AM Read more >

Women's voices and votes loom large as pope is set to open a Vatican meeting on church's future

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A few years ago, Pope Francis told the head of the main Vatican-backed Catholic women's organization to be “brave” in pushing for change for women in the Catholic Church.

Oct 2, 2023 6:09 AM Read more >

Iraqi Christian religious leaders demand an international investigation into deadly wedding fire

BAGHDAD (AP) — Christian religious leaders in northern Iraq called for an international investigation Monday into a deadly wedding fire that killed more than 100 people last week and slammed the government’s probe, which had blamed the blaze on negli

Oct 2, 2023 4:37 AM Read more >

Federal agency sues Chipotle after a Kansas manager allegedly ripped off an employee's hijab

A federal agency has sued the restaurant chain Chipotle, accusing it of religious harassment and retaliation after a manager at a Kansas location forcibly removed an employee's hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

Sep 30, 2023 2:55 PM Read more >

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals who will help him to reform the church and cement his legacy

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals at a ritual-filled ceremony Saturday, including key figures at the Vatican and in the field who will help enact his reforms and cement his legacy as he enters a crucial new phase in running th

Sep 30, 2023 7:16 AM Read more >

Baltimore Archdiocese files for bankruptcy before new law on abuse lawsuits takes effect

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Archdiocese of Baltimore on Friday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization days before a new state law goes into effect removing the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims and allowing victims to sue their abuser

Sep 29, 2023 3:16 PM Read more >

A green card processing change means US could lose thousands of faith leaders from abroad

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — For more than two hours on a Sunday afternoon, the Rev.

Sep 29, 2023 12:43 PM Read more >