Religion HubThe Religion Hub is a feature of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative – a collaborative effort of Religion News Service, the Associated Press and The Conversation US. Made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Each Jewish couple’s story starts long before the wedding − and so does the celebration of their life together
By Shulamit Reinharz — August 28, 2024
(The Conversation) — Jewish traditions to mark a marriage often involve ceremonies and celebrations before the big day, whether it’s a ritual bath or even a fiance’s conversion to Judaism.
The suspect in the Germany attack was motivated by Islamic State group ideology, prosecutors say
By Daniel Niemann and David Mchugh — August 28, 2024
SOLINGEN, Germany (AP) — The attack comes amid debate over immigration before regional elections on Sept. 1 in Germany’s Saxony and Thuringia regions where anti-immigration parties such as the populist Alternative for Germany are expected to do well.
Judge blocks Arizona lithium drilling that tribe says is threat to sacred lands
By Scott Sonner — August 26, 2024
A federal judge has temporarily blocked exploratory drilling for a lithium project in Arizona that tribal leaders say will harm land they have used for religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Lawyers for the national environmental group Earthjustice and Colorado-based Western Mining Action Project are suing federal land managers on behalf of the Hualapai Tribe. […]
Pakistan flies home the injured and the bodies of 28 Shiite pilgrims killed in a bus crash in Iran
By Munir Ahmed — August 26, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan brought home Friday the bodies of 28 Shiite pilgrims killed in a bus crash in Iran this week while heading to Iraq for a pilgrimage. A Pakistani military aircraft also flew back 23 pilgrims injured in the accident, officials said. Earlier in the day in Iran, officials handed over the bodies […]
Hundreds of police raid a religious compound in search of Filipino preacher wanted for child abuse
By Jim Gomez — August 26, 2024
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Apollo Quiboloy, preacher of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, claims to be the appointed son of God.
Italian teenager Carlo Acutis’ upcoming canonization reflects the Vatican’s desire to appeal to a new generation of Catholics
By Michael A. Di Giovine — August 23, 2024
(The Conversation) — Italian priest Padre Pio was one of the world’s most prayed-to saints in recent times. As Pio’s generation ages, the Catholic Church is turning to Carlo Acutis to appeal to a new demographic.
Ukraine’s parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target
By Peter Smith — August 21, 2024
(AP) — Ukraine’s parliament has banned the activities of religious groups tied to the Russian Orthodox Church or any other faith group supporting Russia’s invasion.
Catholics are debating whether to remove paintings by a priest accused of abusing women − but let’s not confuse the artist and the art, writes an art historian
By Virginia Raguin — August 19, 2024
(The Conversation) — Marko Rupnik’s art is on display in many churches. Should his paintings be removed in light of recent allegations?
Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explains
By Megan Bryson — August 19, 2024
(The Conversation) — The ‘Laughing Buddha’ shows how people have adapted Buddhism to different cultural and historical contexts.
Russian artist released in swap builds a new life in Germany, now free to marry her partner
By Dasha Litvinova — August 16, 2024
KOBLENZ, Germany (AP) — Sasha Skochilenko and Sofya Subbotina reunited earlier this month in Germany, shortly after Skochilenko and other Russian prisoners were exchanged in a historic East-West swap — a happy if unlikely ending to an over two-year ordeal.
A mass circumcision is marketed to tourists in a remote area of Uganda. Some are angrily objecting.
By Rodney Muhumuza — August 15, 2024
NEAR MOUNT ELGON, Uganda (AP) — Locals question their king over the very public presentation of Imbalu, the ritualized circumcision of thousands of boys every other year in this remote community near Uganda’s border with Kenya.
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.
Why is an ultimate goal called a ‘Holy Grail?’
By Joanne M. Pierce — August 12, 2024
(The Conversation) — Several threads, including pre-Christian mythology, veneration of relics in Christian tradition, and medieval literature, have combined over the centuries into the Holy Grail metaphor of today.
Islamic State’s genocide was not limited to killing and enslaving Yazidis, Christians and other communities − it also erased their heritage
By Alda Benjamen — August 8, 2024
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Iraq describes the ongoing loss following the genocidal violence by IS − not just of human lives, but of a rich cultural heritage.
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.
