A Village Christmas Story: No Gifts But Lots Of Joy
"We didn't have much," writes Edward Mabaya, who grew up in a family of 10 kids in rural Zimbabwe. "But I didn't feel that I was poor."
Religion
Hanukkah Lights 2016
Hear holiday stories from authors Lia Pripstein, Elisa Albert, Ellen Orleans and R.L. Maizes.
In China's Tiny Catholic Community, Hopes Rise For Beijing-Vatican Ties
China and the Vatican are working to settle longstanding differences. Their efforts may pave the way for the Holy See and Beijing to work together to ordain bishops inside of China.
White House Moves To Block Creation Of Muslim Registry
The Obama administration is abolishing the regulations that were used as the foundation for a post Sept. 11, 2001, program to register Muslim immigrants. The move will make it harder but not impossible for the Trump administration to establish a new Muslim registry.
Pope Francis Outlines More Reforms, And Addresses Powerful Church Critics
In his Christmas address to Vatican employees, the leader of the Catholic Church called for more laypersons and women in positions of power and said resistance to change came from misguided minds.
Evangelical Leader Under Attack For Criticizing Trump Supporters
Russell Moore, who presides over the political arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, called out religious right figures who supported Trump notwithstanding his "serious moral problems."
For Cash-Strapped Monks, Selling Fruitcakes Is A Saving Grace
While monks aren't trying to dominate the fruitcake market, they have made enough money to help support their solitary way of life. And there might be a little competition between monasteries.
Black Goat Is Sacrificed On Tarmac Of Pakistani Airport
Employees of Pakistan International Airlines sacrificed the animal to mark the first flight of an ATR turboprop plane since the fleet was grounded following a Dec. 7 crash.
The Charleston Story: A Knotted Mix Of Race, Grace And Injustice
The story "The Holy City" tells itself, which sometimes emphasizes faith and forgiveness and underplays racism, now includes the conviction of Dylann Roof.
After A Horrible Hate Crime, How Do You Not Hate Back?
Suzanne Barakat speaks about the challenge of reconciling shock, anger and acceptance after her brother and sisters-in-law were murdered in an anti-Muslim hate crime.