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Covering the world of religion. https://rns.org
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RNS @rns.org · Nov 14
RNS is an independent nonprofit dedicated to shining a light on the ways religion and faith shape our world. Your support helps power our newsroom: rns.org/donate
rns.org
Some 250 years after “Common Sense” helped inspire the 13 colonies to declare independence, Thomas Paine might receive a long-anticipated tribute from his adopted country.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/s...
Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War
NEW YORK (AP) — It would be the first landmark in the nation's capital to be dedicated to one of the American Revolution's most stirring, popular and quotable advocates — who also was one of the most…
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:01 PM
rns.org
OPINION: If certain films are paradigmatic of an era or a political administration, then “Marty Supreme” will reign supreme as the definitive cinematic rendering of the Age of Donald Trump.
religionnews.com/2025/12/31/t...
The hollow moral core of 'Marty Supreme'
(RNS) — ‘Marty Supreme’ is an excellent film about a despicable confidence man. It perfectly reflects our historical moment.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
rns.org
The appointment of Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov marks a step forward for Trump’s Mideast peace plan, which has moved slowly since delivering an October ceasefire ending more than two years of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/i...
Israel says Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov to direct Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza
JERUSALEM (AP) — The appointment of the Bulgarian diplomat marks an important step forward for Trump’s Mideast peace plan, which has moved slowly since delivering an October ceasefire ending more…
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:01 PM
rns.org
OPINION: I do not need to know you to love you and show compassion; knowing you are my neighbor is enough.
religionnews.com/2026/01/09/n...
Neighborliness is a lived theology in Minnesota
(RNS) — The simple concept of caring for those in your proximity holds religious resonance.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
rns.org
Our free virtual event with social scientist and author @ryanburge.bsky.social is just one week away! Register now to learn how political polarization is impacting faith in America.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
January 13, 2026 at 4:01 PM
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The new directive prohibits diocesan churches from placing kneelers, altar rails and prie-dieus, all used to provide support for those who choose to kneel.
religionnews.com/2026/01/09/n...
New Communion rules spark debate over bishop's authority in Charlotte Catholic diocese
(RNS) — A letter has exposed divisions over liturgical authority, leadership style and worship practices.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM
rns.org
While spiritual formation is important, Martin said, CT’s main mission is journalism and storytelling.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/n...
New Christianity Today CEO Nicole Martin believes in the good news, even in hard times
(RNS) — Martin, a former leader at the American Bible Society who first joined CT's staff in 2023, says the magazine will focus on building a healthy culture, telling redemptive stories and reaching…
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:01 PM
rns.org
Yvonne and Tammy used to call themselves Christians. But years after participating in the January 6 insurrection, they believe in New Age conspiracies about shape-shifting reptiles and humans living in computer simulations.
religionnews.com/2026/01/06/t...
The women of January 6 who left Christianity for faith in New Age conspiracy theories
(RNS) — Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the insurrection, RNS spoke with Noelle Cook about her new book, ‘The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging.’
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM
rns.org
“It is a direct statement, but because it is silent it is very powerful.”
religionnews.com/2026/01/05/w...
With limits on campus protests, quieter vigils are the growing voice of protest
NEW YORK (RNS) — While religious language or symbols are not necessarily present, the rituals are unmistakably spiritual in tone.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:01 PM
rns.org
A former professor at a Georgia Baptist college is suing a Christian publication for defamation, saying he was falsely accused of sexual abuse.
religionnews.com/2026/01/09/p...
Former professor sues Baptist publication for defamation over abuse allegations reports
(RNS) — In reporting on a scandal at a Georgia Baptist college, Baptist News Global included allegations against professor Jeremy Lyon. Lyon denies the allegations and is suing for defamation.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM
rns.org
The religious leaders, who were largely Protestant Christians, also connected Good’s death to the violence of other ICE operations and actions taken by the Trump administration.
religionnews.com/2026/01/09/o...
Outside White House, faith leaders mourn Renee Good, call for accountability
(RNS) — 'A system that relies on fear, force and death to manage human beings is not broken at the edges. It is broken and rotten at the core,' the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi said. 'Stop excusing violence.…
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM
rns.org
OPINION: Hegseth’s demand for absolute compliance clashes with the Christian faith he claims to impose on the military.
religionnews.com/2026/01/08/c...
Contrary to Hegseth's military demands, Christianity requires disobedience against corruption
(RNS) — If Hegseth wants a military force shaped by Christian values — a contradiction in itself — he shouldn’t expect absolute compliance.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM
rns.org
“We believe that the Olympics represent a great educational opportunity in the meanings they will carry,” wrote Milan’s Archbishop Mario Delpini.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/m...
Milan’s Catholic archdiocese brings Olympic values into parish life
(AP) — They could passively wait for the event to unfold or immediately bring the Olympic spirit into their pastoral work. They chose the latter.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM
rns.org
“We want a world where people don’t get killed for saying, ‘It’s okay, sweetie. I ain’t mad at you,'" the Rev. Babette Chatman said Sunday, referencing the last known words of Renee Good.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/o...
On the Sunday after Renee Good's killing, Minnesotans grieve through worship and song
(RNS) — Worshippers took a moment to pause, mourn and sing, even as they continued to organize resistance efforts against ICE's escalated presence in Minneapolis.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:00 AM
rns.org
Archbishop Paul Coakley met with Trump, Vance and other White House officials today, marking the first time a U.S. president has met with the president of the bishops’ conference in nearly a decade.
USCCB President Paul Coakley meets with Trump, Vance at White House
(RNS) — It was the first time a US president has met with the president of the Catholic bishops’ conference in nearly a decade.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:30 AM
rns.org
OPINION: We have reached the end of an era with the death of Bob Weir — the rhythm guitarist, singer, co-founder and the last visible steward of the Dead’s original spirit. With his passing, the Grateful Dead moves fully from living memory into sacred memory.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/w...
What happens to the religion of Dead-ism after Bob Weir?
(RNS) — Like any good faith, it has not died, but it has transformed.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
rns.org
The fire that ripped through Jackson, Mississippi’s only synagogue appears to be an act of arson on the part of a man who admitted to targeting the institution because of its “Jewish ties,” according to the FBI.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/j...
Suspect in Jackson synagogue fire confesses; congregation determined to rebuild
(RNS) — Stephen Spencer Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive.
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
rns.org
OPINION: It appears that synodality is here to stay in the papacy of Leo, but there is one storm cloud on the horizon.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/d...
Does Pope Leo want synodality without the laity?
(RNS) — Never underestimate the ability of clericalism to triumph in the Catholic Church.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:00 PM
rns.org
A massive crowd of mostly barefoot Filipino Catholics joined an annual procession of a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ in the Philippine capital Friday, with some using the gathering to express outrage over a corruption scandal involving influential legislators.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/f...
Filipino Catholics express outrage over corruption scandal during massive religious procession
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — One of Asia’s major religious spectacles, the often-raucous procession of the life-size statue meanders through nearly six kilometers (3.7 miles) of Manila’s congested…
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
rns.org
Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday beneath Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, continuing an annual tradition that marks the end of the Christmas holiday period at the Vatican.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/p...
Pope Leo baptizes 20 infants in a tradition marking the end of the Christmas season
VATICAN CITY (AP) — In his first baptismal ceremony as pope, Leo celebrated the Lord’s gift of faith to the children, saying that it gives sense to the gift of life.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:30 PM
rns.org
OPINION: An American original troubadour telling stories that felt older than the nation itself, Bob Weir somehow oriented toward a future just beyond our reach.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/b...
Bob Weir was a troubadour of American myth and belonging
(RNS) — Weir was never religious in any conventional sense. But there was a deep, abiding spirituality to his work.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:00 PM
rns.org
A complicated crime scene and uncooperative witnesses hindered Salt Lake City police efforts to investigate Wednesday's fatal shooting outside a house of worship belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/t...
The deadly shooting outside a Utah church grew out of a dispute between funeral goers, police say
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The shooting in a church parking lot Wednesday night left two people dead and six injured, including five who remained hospitalized with police protection Thursday.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM
rns.org
Pope Leo met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado in a private audience at the Vatican today, during which Machado asked him to intercede for the release of hundreds of political prisoners held in the Latin American country.
religionnews.com/2026/01/12/m...
Machado seeks Pope Leo’s support for Venezuela’s transition during Vatican meeting
ROME (AP) — The meeting, which hadn’t been previously included in the list of Leo’s planned appointments, was later listed by the Vatican in its daily bulletin, without adding details.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:41 PM
rns.org
OPINION: It was a profound spiritual moment. Who would have thought I’d have one of those on the steps of City Hall?
religionnews.com/2026/01/02/t...
For Sikhs, as for New York City, Mamdani's inauguration holds spiritual promise
(RNS) — What I’ll remember from Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration.
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:31 PM
rns.org
Throughout 2025, numerous news outlets highlighted a growing embrace of evangelicalism in the Bay Area. At the center of this coverage has been ACTS 17, who recently hosted a lecture series by tech billionaire Peter Thiel.
religionnews.com/2026/01/02/t...
Silicon Valley's Christ-curious moment: The evangelical groups courting tech elites
SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) — 'Whatever you're doing here in San Francisco is more important than everything everybody's doing in Christian work in the rest of the world, combined,' said tech billionaire…
religionnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:01 PM