Religion

Cases Test The Limits Of Religion's Place In The Law

2:27pm September 08, 2015

Does the Constitution protect people who feel that the law requires them to act contrary to their beliefs? NPR's Linda Wertheimer speaks with Harvard law professor Noah Feldman about the Kentucky case.

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Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio (left), president of the Vatican Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, arrives to read Pope Francis' statement on marriage annulment reforms at the Vatican on Tuesday.

Pope Francis Smooths Process To Annul Marriages

12:39pm September 08, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The Catholic Church still doesn't recognize divorce, but the changes promise to make it easier to annul marriages deemed invalid by a church court by using a "more agile" process.

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Religion

Pope Francis Urges Church To Embrace Those Who Divorce And Remarry

12:23pm September 08, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The headline on the Vatican's official news site makes the point clearly: "Pope: divorced and remarried people not excommunicated."

Fire At Washington State Planned Parenthood Clinic Deemed Arson

2:06pm September 05, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The blaze broke out at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Pullman, which had been targeted by anti-abortion protesters last month.

Supporters Of Jailed Kentucky Clerk To Hold Prayer Rally

10:56am September 05, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Kim Davis was put behind bars earlier this week for refusing to comply with a federal court order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

During Holy Year, Priests Permitted To Forgive Women Who Had Abortions

6:44pm September 02, 2015

by Jennifer Ludden

Pope Francis announced that priests will be able to offer absolution to women who've had an abortion. The policy, in place for a year, is part of a Holy Year of Mercy that starts in December.

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Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis (right) talks with David Moore on Tuesday morning following her refusal to issue a marriage license to him and his partner at the Rowan County Courthouse in Morehead, Ky.

Here's What We Know About The Kentucky Clerk Refusing Marriage Licenses

6:19pm September 02, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

Kim Davis, a born-again Christian, has been divorced three times. When she won her seat for Rowan County clerk, she took over from her mother, who held the position for 37 years.

Law Professor: Davis Can't Evoke Religion To Deny Marriage Licenses

6:25pm September 01, 2015

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Columbia Law professor Katherine Franke about Kim Davis, the elected clerk of Kentucky's Rowan County, who is refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

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Some Suspect Kenyan Anti-Terror Forces In Disappearance Of Somali Muslims

8:19pm August 31, 2015

by Gregory Warner

Under the guise of anti-terror investigations, Somali Muslims are disappearing in Kenya.

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By the time archaeologists uncovered this statue of the Buddha at Mes Aynak, its head was gone — likely broken off by looters.

What's Better For Afghanistan's Future: Buddha Tours Or A Copper Mine?

2:48pm August 31, 2015

by NPR Staff

A vast archaeological site sits atop one of the world's biggest untapped copper deposits. Afghanistan must decide which resource will be a greater boon.