Synagogue challenges new Florida abortion law, claiming it violates religious rights of Jewish people
A synagogue has filed a lawsuit claiming Florida's new law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks violates the religious freedom rights of Jewish people. It's the second challenge to the state's abortion ban recently signed into law by Gov. DeSantis, which is set to take effect next month.
Christian students sue university over ‘censorship’ for belief on gay marriage
A group of Christian students said the university effectively silenced them amid growing campus backlash for their views on marriage.
'It's time to come back': Local churches expect more in-person worship for Easter Sunday
Many local congregations are expecting more in-person worshippers compared to the last two years this Easter Sunday. For some, this may be the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Russia's sunken warship may have been carrying piece of 'True Cross,' a Christian relic
A Russian news report in 2020 said the Christian relic would be stored on the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, which sank this week.
Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in Ukraine
Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for “weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce."
Sarasota community comes together to hold 'Unity Gathering' after anti-Semitic incident
Sunday, Jewish leaders, religious voices, local officials, and people from all walks of life held a “Unity Gathering” after anti-Semitic fliers were left in several neighborhoods.
Retired pope asks for pardon in handling of abuse cases, admits no wrongdoing
Retired Pope Benedict XVI is asking forgiveness in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases. But he is not admitting to any personal or specific wrongdoing.
Catholic celibacy rules should be loosened, cardinal says
A cardinal in Germany has advocated loosening celibacy rules for Catholic priests.
Florida Senate passes bill that would shield churches from emergency order shutdowns
The Florida Senate approved a bill that would prevent government emergency orders from shutting down churches and other religious institutions as long as businesses are allowed to stay open. "If Publix is open, so is your place of worship," the bill's sponsor said. The measure must still pass the House.
Jewish leaders mark first Sabbath since Texas synagogue hostage siege
Jewish leaders marked the first Sabbath since last weekend's hostage-taking at Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, with a show of defiance against it and other acts of antisemitism.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk, dies at 95
Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Zen Buddhist monk who helped spread the practice of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East, has died. He was 95.
Florida Senate measure aimed at keeping churches open
After high-profile disputes in various parts of the country about shuttering churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Senate is poised to take up a proposal that would help prevent closures of religious institutions during future emergencies.
Pope Francis baptizes 16 babies in Sistine Chapel after pandemic break
Pope Francis baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, resuming a decades-old Vatican tradition that had been interrupted last year by the pandemic.
Annual Epiphany cross dive returns for 116th year in Tarpon Springs
Large crowds returned this year for the 116th Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs.
Pope criticizes couples who adopt pets instead of children: 'a form of selfishness'
Pope Francis on Wednesday branded couples who adopt pets instead of children as "selfish" as part of a call to resolve the "demographic winter" that the West faces.
Pope Francis starts new year with call to protect women, focus on the good
Pope Francis has used his New Year's Day appearances to encourage people to focus on the good which unites them and to decry violence against women.
Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass amid COVID-19 surge in Italy
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose
During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.
‘Chanukah Sameach’ : Biden recognizes Hanukkah 2021 with well wishes
“From our family to yours, and from the People’s House to your own homes, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!” President Joe Biden said in a statement.