religion

Conservative French presidential candidate Francois Fillon delivers a speech April 9 during a campaign meeting in Paris. The two-round presidential election is set for April 23 and May 7. Fillon has played up his religion during the campaign, and that has

Conservative French Presidential Nominee's Unusual Tactic: Tout His Faith

8:09am April 15, 2017

by Joanna Kakissis

In the heavily secular country, Catholic Francois Fillon has been the only one of 11 candidates to speak openly about his religion. It may be keeping his scandal-tinged campaign afloat.

Queue Listen Now

Religion

When Easter And Passover Overlap

8:04am April 15, 2017

NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks to Professor Andrew McGowan, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, about theological and liturgical intersections between the Easter and Passover holidays.

Eggs dyed blood red at the center of the Greek Easter treat known as tsoureki paschalino.

The Key To Cracking Easter Feasts? It's All In The Eggs

7:00am April 15, 2017

by Erica Ryan

In the spring, a cook's fancy turns to thoughts of eggs. They're everywhere at Easter, in breads and pies and children's baskets. Eggs can inspire sugary treats and offer hidden surprises.

Marie-Victoire Carvalho Sow prepares ngalakh, a traditional Easter treat for friends and family of all faiths.

Senegal's Good Friday Dish Is A Treat For Both Christians And Muslims

7:57pm April 14, 2017

by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

Senegal is a Muslim majority country, with a Christian minority. Christians celebrate Good Friday with a sweet porridge called ngalakh. They share it with their Muslim family and friends, too.

In Israel, Muslims Hold 'American Idol'-Style Call-To-Prayer Contest

4:47pm April 14, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

Muslims in Israel held an American Idol-style competition to for young men who chant the call to prayer. It was held in protest of an Israeli effort to quiet the calls in the early morning hours.

Immense Intolerance Felt Toward Christians In Egypt, Coptic Bishop Says

5:34am April 14, 2017

Egypt-born Bishop Angaelos, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the U.K., talks to David Greene about Sunday's attacks on Coptic Christian services in Egypt, and the security of the Coptic minority.

Queue Listen Now

Despite Corruption Charges, French Catholics Stand Behind Francois Fillon

4:57pm April 13, 2017

by Joanna Kakissis

Christians voting in France's presidential election are sticking by the only openly religious candidate in the race, conservative Francois Fillon, even as he faces corruption charges.

This goat was almost sacrificed, but was rescued at the last minute by an Israeli official.

Religion

Goats Are Rescued On Their Way To Being Sacrificed In Jerusalem

4:06pm April 13, 2017

by Sara Toth Stub

This Passover, some Israeli Jews hoped to perform a ritual (and illegal) sacrifice of goats on the Temple Mount. Then the police stepped in.

Peter Stanford poses with his book Judas: The Most Hated Name in History and two bottles of Judas, a Belgian beer that looks pale but is treacherously strong.

Religion

The Dark Side Of Easter: Foods Named For Judas Offer Taste Of Treachery

3:15pm April 13, 2017

by Nina Martyris

Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, is the archvillain of Easter week (though he has his defenders). He also has an intriguing range of food and drink named after him — from cake to bread to beer.

For the third consecutive year, the Alabama Legislature is considering a bill that would let the Briarwood Presbyterian Church congregation, one of the largest in the state, create its own law enforcement department with sworn police officers.

Church Can Start Its Own Police Force, Alabama Senate Says

4:08pm April 12, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Police officers hired by Briarwood Presbyterian would need to be certified; they would also have the same powers other law enforcement officers have. The bill now heads to the state House.