Religious leaders, governmental authorities and extremism experts say they are disquieted by a spate of incidents that took place at Catholic churches over the weekend, raising concerns about vandalism and the potential for white nationalists to exploit escalating tensions regarding…
Senate Hearing Examines Political Role Of Tax-Exempt Organizations
Organizations have abused their tax-exempt status to flood American politics with “a torrent of dark money” totaling more than $1 billion over the past 12 years, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., during his opening statement at Wednesday’s tax subcommittee hearing…
US ‘strongly opposes’ Israel’s plan to expand settlements, but Biden’s visit still scheduled
President Joe Biden’s plans to visit Israel next month appear to be unaffected by Israel’s steps to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, even as his administration “strongly opposes” the anticipated approval of almost 4,000 units.
‘Under The Banner Of Heaven’ Adds Nothing To The Conversation On Religious Extremism
“Under The Banner of Heaven” wants to be both a thrilling true crime drama and a faith-shaking takedown of the religious right. But so far, its treatment of the topic is too shallow and too un-self-aware to challenge anyone who…
Police in Thailand arrest leader of corpse-worshipping cult
Police in northeastern Thailand have arrested a forest-dwelling self-proclaimed holy man whose followers allegedly worshipped corpses and consumed bodily fluids as a cure for sickness, officials said Monday.
After Florida passes bill, LGBTQ parents ask: Which parents’ rights?
Janelle Perez had just finished testifying in front of Florida state senators about the impact the “don’t say gay” bill would have on her family when she received a text. It was a photo her 4-year-old daughter had drawn of her family:…
How belief in Moscow as ‘the new Rome’ explains Kirill’s astonishing declaration that ‘Russia has never attacked anyone’
Saying outrageous, verifiably untrue things has sort of become Patriarch Kirill of Moscow’s brand. The chief Russian Orthodox cleric had a history of outrageous statements before the Russian invasion of Ukraine (including calling the concept of human rights a heresy), but he’s…
At a popular evangelical tourist site, the Ark Encounter, the image of a ‘wrathful God’ appeals to millions
The Ark Encounter, an evangelical theme park located near Williamstown, Kentucky, has welcomed between 4 million and 5 million visitors since its opening in July 2016. Hundreds of thousands more are sure to visit this summer.
Discrepancy in sentencing of Cuban pastor
The Cuban government notified the family of Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, who has been imprisoned since participating in peaceful protests last July, he has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
God is a mother, too, writes children’s book author Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
“You know God the Father, but God is your Mother too.”
What they wore: Amish Country exhibit spotlights sex abuse
Clotheslines with billowing linens and long dresses are a common sight on the off-grid farms of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, home to the nation’s largest Amish settlement. For many tourists they’re as iconic a part of Amish Country’s bucolic scenery as…
The Sikh-American Community Is Building Resilience As Hate Crimes Rise
Within one week in April, three Sikh men between 45 and 72 were assaulted and severely injured in Queens, New York. The Sikh community was also marking the first anniversary of the mass shooting at an Indianapolis FedEx warehouse last…