Religion

Bishops Fail To Agree On Same-Sex Unions

11:43am October 20, 2014

Catholic bishops finished a two-week gathering at the Vatican on Saturday. Their discussions focused on the family and controversial issues, including gays and divorcees. But many were disappointed.

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Pope Francis opens the morning session of a two-week synod on family issues at the Vatican, on Saturday.

Vatican Bishops Scrap Opening To Gays, Divorced Members

3:49pm October 18, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Earlier this week an interim summary of the synod on family issues included conciliatory language on gays and on the taking of holy communion for divorced church members.

Pope Francis attends a morning session of a two-week synod on family issues at the Vatican, on Monday.

What They're Saying: Vatican's New Tolerance On Gays And The Divorced

11:00am October 14, 2014

by Scott Neuman

We take a look at viewpoints from the Catholic and secular media about a stunning interim report released by a synod of bishops meeting at the Vatican.

Vatican Report Conciliatory Toward Gays, Unmarried Couples

8:00am October 14, 2014

An assembly of Roman Catholic bishops calls for the church to welcome gays, unmarried couples and those who have divorced. Steve Inskeep talks to Joshua McElwee of the National Catholic Reporter.

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A "Mass mob" fills St. Florian Church in Hamtramck, Mich. The church can seat 1,500 people, but normally only about 200 people attend noon Mass.

'Mass Mobs' Aim To Keep Pews Full At Old Churches

4:16pm October 10, 2014

by Sarah Hulett

Every month, a group in Detroit picks a church that could use an influx of parishioners to fill its pews — and collection baskets. Word spreads on Facebook, and come Sunday, the church is buzzing.

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A student prays in front of a temporary altar during a rally outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 24.

A Surprising Tie That Binds Hong Kong's Protest Leaders: Faith

9:45pm October 09, 2014

by Frank Langfitt

Many older activists were educated at missionary schools, which informs their sense of social and political justice. It's sure to be noticed by Beijing, which sees religion as a threat to its rule.

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Faithful hold candles during a vigil prayer in preparation for the synod on the family on Oct. 4, at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

In 'Season Of Mercy,' Will Vatican Rethink Communion For Divorcees?

9:58am October 09, 2014

by Sylvia Poggioli

Pope Francis hasn't ruled out changing church doctrine that bars divorced and remarried Catholics from receiving Holy Communion. There are fierce opponents, while others favor simplifying annulment.

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Archbisop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan (left) attends the Opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday in Vatican City. The two-week conference will discuss family issues, including controversial

Vatican Synod Tests The Pope's Vision Of A More Merciful Church

1:51pm October 05, 2014

by Sylvia Poggioli

Bishops are meeting with Pope Francis these next two weeks for an extraordinary conference to debate family matters – including hot-button issues like artificial contraception and gay civil unions.

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The 14th Dalai Lama speaks in New Zealand on December 5, 2009. The religious leader is now 79, and says he can imagine being the last Dalai Lama: "Twenty-six hundred years of Buddhist tradition cannot be maintained by one person," he tells Jörg Eigendorf

The Dalai Lama Talks Chinese Reforms, Tibetan Challenges

7:58pm October 04, 2014

by Jörg Eigendorf

"China can no longer isolate itself," says the religious leader, who praises Chinese President Xi Jinping for fighting corruption. He also says Tibetans don't need a Dalai Lama any more.

Muslims In Minnesota Weigh Whether To Expel Or Engage At-Risk Youth

11:39am October 03, 2014

by Gene Demby

After several young people left to join ISIS, leaders are considering which approach to take with marginalized youth. Boston's experience with the marathon bombing suspects may be instructive.