Religion

Sheryl Olitzky (left) and Atiya Aftab founded the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom in 2010. It has since grown to more than 150 chapters across the U.S. and in Berlin.

Mideast Violence Tests The Relationships That Interfaith Groups Work Hard To Build

5:00am May 26, 2021

by Deena Prichep

The fighting between Israel and Hamas is straining U.S. interfaith groups, even during the cease-fire. They've lost some members because of the pressure. But others are forging ahead.

Pro-Palestinian protesters face off with Israel supporters and police last week in Times Square in New York City.

Officials Say Hate Crimes Against Jews Are Growing In The Aftermath Of Gaza Violence

4:13pm May 24, 2021

by Jason Breslow

Attacks have broken out in communities across the country, leaving officials in law enforcement and government scrambling to confront the ripple effects of recent violence between Israel and Hamas.

Adri Quiñones, center, leads the prayer during Saturday morning Shabbat services at Beth Shalom on Jan. 18, 2020.

The Youth Of Cuba's Tiny Jewish Minority

2:55pm May 23, 2021

by Rachel Wisniewski

Cuba doesn't have a single rabbi and the Jewish population numbers only about 1,200 on the island. Those left have formed a tight-knit community, with pressure on the young to sustain their religion.

The new law will allow Alabama public schools to offer yoga for students. Here, kids participate in a yoga class in Pennsylvania.

Alabama Will Now Allow Yoga In Its Public Schools (But Students Can't Say 'Namaste')

1:21pm May 21, 2021

by Bill Chappell

Alabama banned yoga back in 1993. The ban is now revoked — but English names must be used for all poses and exercises. And meditation is not allowed.

Pastor J.P. Conway leads the Acklen Avenue Church of Christ in Nashville. When members started telling him they got vaccinated, he began keeping track. Now, he says 99% have been immunized.

Houses Of Worship Grapple With The Vaxxed And Unvaxxed Divide

5:07am May 17, 2021

by Blake Farmer

Congregations are figuring out how to safely meet in person now that the COVID-19 vaccine is more widely available. But vaccination remains divisive even as it allows them to come together again.

An excavator clears the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza City on Sunday, following Israeli airstrikes.

U.N. Security Council Meets Over Israeli-Palestinian Violence

6:40pm May 16, 2021

by Dustin Jones

With the death toll nearing 200 and thousands more civilians left homeless, the United Nations is pushing for a cease-fire.

Religion

Lutherans Elect First Openly Transgender Bishop Megan Rohrer

7:54am May 16, 2021

by Melissa Block

Rev. Megan Rohrer has been elected as the first openly transgender bishop within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They will lead some 200 congregations in California and Nevada.

Queue Listen Now

Muslim devotees takes a selfie using their mobile phones after offering special prayers at the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.

Muslims Mark End Of Ramadan, But COVID Subdues Celebrations For A Second Year

1:07pm May 13, 2021

Some 1.8 billion faithful around the world are marking Eid al-Fitr, but in many places, COVID-19 restrictions and concerns over the spread of virus were putting a damper on festivities.

A priest holds a Holy Communion wafer in Washington, D.C.

Vatican Warns U.S. Bishops About Denying Communion To Supporters Of Abortion Rights

6:14pm May 11, 2021

by Sylvia Poggioli

The possible plan could affect President Biden, among other Catholic political figures. The Vatican is calling for U.S. bishops to reach a consensus and says any such move could sow division.

Bishops Debate Whether Politicians Who Support Abortion Should Receive Communion

4:22pm May 11, 2021

Should Catholic politicians who support abortion rights be able to receive communion? American bishops have been grappling with this since Biden became the second Catholic president in U.S. history.