religion

Rev. Dwayne Gary's experience of racial profiling has led him to speak out and inspire others in his suburban Chicago community to tell their own stories of mistreatment.

Suburban Church Leads Hard Conversation About Race

7:00am December 27, 2020

by Monique Parsons

In a mostly white suburb north of Chicago, George Floyd's killing has opened up some tough talks. And the pastor of a historic Black church there is leading the way by telling his story.

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Pope Francis arrives to deliver his Christmas Day message, Urbi et Orbi, in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

In Christmas Message, Pope Francis Urges Coronavirus 'Vaccines For All'

4:24pm December 25, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

"Vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet," Pope Francis said at the Vatican on a subdued Christmas Day.

Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass on Thursday at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican as Italy went back into lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At The Vatican, A Christmas Eve Mass Shaped By The Pandemic

5:09pm December 24, 2020

by Laurel Wamsley

Only 100 or so people attended the service, and they wore masks and socially distanced. The Mass began two hours early so all could make it home before Italy's virus curfew.

Religion

How The Pandemic Has Affected The Ways People Worship

3:58pm December 24, 2020

by Lee Hale

The pandemic has changed the way people worship this year. Holidays spent apart. Services moved to Zoom. Some are motivated to look upward for help, while others are looking inward to find some peace.

A Hasidic man and medical workers cross paths near the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., in November. When public health messaging comes from community leaders, it's much more likely to be adopted, research on diverse groups finds.

'Trusted Messengers, Trusted Messages': How To Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy

5:00am December 24, 2020

by Fran Kritz

As the first COVID-19 vaccines begin to be rolled out across the U.S., community leaders in diverse groups already are working hard to dispel misinformation and reach skeptics with truth.

Church Journalist On Why He Thinks Mormonism Is The Most American Religion

4:07pm December 23, 2020

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with McKay Coppins of The Atlantic about his article "The Most American Religion" as the Mormon Church celebrates its 200th anniversary.

The Vatican said Monday that it is "morally acceptable" to use COVID-19 vaccines, even if they used "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process." Pope Francis, who approved the statement, is seen here in January.

Vatican OKs Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines, Even If Research Involved Fetal Tissue

7:34pm December 21, 2020

by Laurel Wamsley

The Vatican said it's permitted to get COVID-19 vaccines due to the "grave danger" of the pandemic, even if scientists used "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process."

Religion

Theologian Discusses How Christmas Brings Light To A Dark Year

8:00am December 19, 2020

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with theologian Eboni Marshall-Turman of Yale Divinity School about the message of Christmas this year.

JayaShri Maathaa speaks at TEDWomen 2020. November 12, 2020. Photo courtesy of TED.

JayaShri Maathaa: How Can Saying "Thank You" Transform Your Life?

9:52am December 18, 2020

by NPR/TED STAFF

During the coronavirus pandemic, monk JayaShri Maathaa continually turned to one powerful mantra: "thank you," a statement of genuine gratitude to provide solace and strength in troubled times.

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Religion

Vatican Unveils Unique Nativity Scene In St. Peter's Square

7:33am December 16, 2020

Critics say one of the wise men resembles an astronaut. Another character brings Darth Vader to mind. The Catholic Herald called it an "Embarrassing Sci-Fi Creche."

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