Maryland lawmakers expand who can perform abortions after overriding governor’s veto
Maryland lawmakers voted over the weekend to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a bill that would allow health practitioners outside of physicians — including nurse practitioners, midwives and physician assistants — to perform abortions.
Sikhs sue US Marine Corps over hair and beard restrictions
Capt. Sukhbir Singh Toor is believed to be the first turbaned Sikh to receive limited religious accommodations from the United States Marine Corps for his faith.
Cuban pastor sentenced to eight years in prison
A Cuban Protestant pastor who has been detained since participating in peaceful protests last July has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Faith prevails for LGBTQ Charlotteans — even when churches reject them
In the balcony of St. John’s Baptist Church sanctuary, only a few pews are taken.
World Council of Churches faces calls to expel Russian Orthodox Church
The World Council of Churches is under pressure to oust the Russian Orthodox Church from its ranks, with detractors arguing the church’s leader, Patriarch Kirill, invalidated its membership by backing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and involving the church in the…
Best Easter pageant ever? Half a century of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
In the days leading up to Easter Sunday, Christians around the world will participate in retellings of the story of the last days of Jesus’ life, from his entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper and to his trial, crucifixion…
AARP Lawyers Join Suit Against African Methodist Episcopal Church Over Retirement Funds
AARP Foundation attorneys will act as co-counsel in a class-action lawsuit alleging the African Methodist Episcopal Church mishandled nearly $90 million in retirement funds, the organization said.
Christians mark Palm Sunday with Jerusalem procession
Thousands of Christian pilgrims took part in Palm Sunday celebrations in Jerusalem at the start of the Holy Week.
Disgraced founding pastor Brian Houston feuds online with Hillsong about his wife’s future
The status of Bobbie Houston, the longtime co-pastor and co-founder of Hillsong, the troubled global megachurch based in Australia, is uncertain after the church’s board and her husband, the church’s former head pastor, Brian Houston, traded feuding online messages this…
The most forgotten queer folks in the US are fighting back against a powerful — and publicly funded — group that discriminates with impunity
“How do we get people to view the CCCU as an extremist organization, the same way they view ADF?”
Islamic State morphs and grows in Pakistan, Afghanistan
Basheer was a young Taliban fighter barely out of his teens when the Islamic State group took over his village in eastern Afghanistan, nearly eight years ago. The militants rounded up villagers identified as Taliban and killed them, often beheading…