People
New York’s India Day Parade will not remove controversial Hindu tribute
By Richa Karmarkar — August 16, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — The centerpiece float of Lord Ram at this year's parade has been met with fierce criticism from those who say it represents anti-Muslim sentiment.
Kamala, a common name in India, is associated with several deities and is a symbol of wisdom
By Archana Venkatesan — August 15, 2024
(The Conversation) — Kamala, a Sanskrit word for lotus, symbolizes wisdom. Its rooted in the fact that even though the flower blooms in a swamp, it remains untouched by the dirt around it.
US advocacy groups raise awareness for plight of Bangladeshi Hindus
By Richa Karmarkar — August 12, 2024
(RNS) — Some see the escalation of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as a chance to unite the global Hindu diaspora.
A new Jewish denomination: Josh Shapiro-ism
By Jonathan Woodward — August 9, 2024
What am I talking about? I am talking about the creation of a thick American Jewish culture firmly rooted in American life and firmly rooted in Jewish traditions.
A new Jewish denomination: Josh Shapiro-ism
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 9, 2024
(RNS) — I am talking about the creation of a thick American Jewish culture firmly rooted in American life and firmly rooted in Jewish traditions.
At her first tour since the pandemic, Amma embraces New York City
By Richa Karmarkar — August 8, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — Whether you’re religious, spiritual or refuse labels, sometimes all you need is a hug.
How a Texas congregation is supporting its members on the space station
By Holly Meyer — August 7, 2024
(AP) — NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Tracy Dyson are both members of Houston-area Providence Baptist Church. They are also both astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Here's how the church and their congregants continue to worship, even from outer space.
Pope Francis’ main adviser on clergy abuse, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, retires as archbishop of Boston
By Patrick Whittle, Nick Perry, and Holly Ramer — August 7, 2024
BOSTON (AP) — Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán O’Malley as archbishop of Boston on Monday and named the bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, Richard Henning, to replace him as leader of one of the most important Catholic archdioceses in the United States.
In surprise appointment, Bishop Henning to replace Cardinal O’Malley in Boston
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 5, 2024
(RNS) — Henning, who has led the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, for just over a year, will now lead an archdiocese of more than 1.8 million Catholics.
Indian and Black, Hindu and Baptist: The multiplicities of Kamala Harris
By Richa Karmarkar — August 1, 2024
(RNS) — Kamala Harris’ hyphenated identity has become a chance for Americans to discuss how one person can represent multiple religions and races at once.
As Venezuela holds a presidential election Sunday, what does its religious landscape look like?
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — July 29, 2024
(AP) — As they prepare for the upcoming presidential election, it's hard to say exactly how religious Venezuelans are and what specifically they believe.
How Kamala Harris and JD Vance appeal to Hindu voters
By Murali Balaji — July 26, 2024
(RNS) — In the 100-plus days before Election Day, Harris has an opportunity to re-engage Hindu voters.
Oops. Southern Baptist agency announces firing of its leader, then retracts that announcement
By Peter Smith — July 25, 2024
AP -- In under 48 hours, the head of the staunchly conservative public-policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention rankled fellow Baptists by applauding President Joe Biden's “selfless act” of withdrawing his candidacy for re-election. Then, his agency reported he was fired — and now they have reaffirmed his leadership.
Kamala Harris’ heritage draws attention to Hinduism’s complex history in Caribbean
By Richa Karmarkar — July 24, 2024
(RNS) — For many who claim Indo-Caribbean heritage, Vice President Kamala Harris’ spotlight is the perfect chance to dive into the community’s lesser-known past: where indigenous faiths and cultural traditions found more in common than not.
Amos Brown, pastor to Kamala Harris, known for civil rights, reparations activism
By Jack Jenkins and Adelle M. Banks — July 23, 2024
(RNS) — Vice President Kamala Harris has praised Brown, ‘my pastor,’ as a man who also has long been her mentor.
