Religion

Eritrean Priest's Mission Takes On New Urgency Amid Migrant Crisis

4:37pm November 25, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

Father Moses, an Eritrean priest, fled his homeland for Italy 14 years ago. His mission preaching to refugees has new urgency with the recent flood of migrants, including many of his compatriots.

Should The Phrase 'Islamic Extremism' Be Used? It's Debatable

11:20am November 25, 2015

by Jessica Taylor

Within Islamic countries, many Muslims are OK using the term "Islamic extremists," but when Westerners use the phrase, it could be seen as an insult.

Pope Prepares To Visit Africa Amid Burundi Crisis

6:56pm November 24, 2015

by Gregory Warner

As the Pope prepares for an African tour, the United Nations is warning of a another Rwanda-like genocide in Burundi. In this overwhelmingly Catholic country, can the Pope's words bring peace?

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Pope Francis To Focus On Social Justice Issues During Trip To Africa

6:32pm November 24, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

It's the 11th trip of his papacy and the most dangerous. The pope will visit Kenya, Uganda and Central African Republic, a nation split apart by bloody conflict between Muslims and Christians.

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In the Nairobi slum of Kangemi, a poster welcomes Pope Francis to Kenya.

A Pope's Visit May Bring Hope, But Does It Also Bring Change?

5:17pm November 24, 2015

by Anders Kelto

During a papal visit, the media swarm and security is intense. He speaks of issues that face the country. After he goes, is there any lasting legacy?

Mormon Woman Grapples With New Church Guidelines On Same-Sex Relationships

4:24pm November 24, 2015

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently issued a handbook that outlines a strict policy toward Mormons in same-sex relationships. Children of parents in same-sex relationships can no longer be baptized at age 8, and Mormons in same-sex relationships face discipline from the church. NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Berta Marquez, an LGBT activist and active Mormon, about the new guidelines.

Buddhism Is Waning In Japan

7:37am November 22, 2015

Thousands of Japan's historic Buddhist temples are expected to shut down. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Ian Reader, an expert on Japanese culture, on how Buddhism is changing in the country.

The remains of St. Maria Goretti lie near the altar during Mass at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago on Oct. 12. It was one of 54 churches where her body was exhibited during a U.S. tour.

Religion

Before The Body Of A Child Saint, A Mother Struggles To Forgive Her Child

6:25am November 22, 2015

by John Burnett

The remains of St. Maria Goretti just finished a 54-city tour of the U.S. At the relic's final stop, in Oklahoma City, one widow went to seek the strength to forgive her husband's murderer — her son.

Republican U.S. presidential candidates Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Rick Santorum pray at the Presidential Family Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, November 20, 2015. The question of how to treat Syrian refugees has evoked different reactions in political evangeli

What Does the Bible Say About Refugees? Depends Who You Ask

8:31pm November 21, 2015

by Sarah McCammon

Evangelical voters in Iowa are divided over whether to side with religious leaders urging compassion for downtrodden Syrian refugees or politicians who say it's too dangerous to admit such refugees.

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Round-Table On Refugees: How People Of Faith Are Navigating The Crisis

5:10pm November 21, 2015

Religious leaders discuss the Syrian refugee crisis and how people of faith are navigating politics. NPR speaks to Pastor Russell Moore, head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention and Rabbi David Wolpe of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.