RNS
LightNews LightNews
banner
rns.org
RNS
@rns.org
8.4K followers 29 following 7.9K posts
Covering the world of religion. https://rns.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
rns.org
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
Since the campus protests were shut down, surveys of students have found that police crackdowns against peaceful demonstrations have left them feeling that speech rights are not secure on their campuses.
religionnews.com/2025/11/18/p...
The encampments are gone, but students who protested for Palestinians vow to continue
(RNS) — While there are fewer protests on campuses, student activists say that the pro-Palestine student movement is still strong.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
rns.org
OPINION: The updated document states plainly that “we live now in a time of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world.”
religionnews.com/2025/11/21/p...
Palestinian Christians issue 'Kairos II,' a cry of hope in a time of darkness
(RNS) — Updating a document issued in 2009, Kairos Palestine II demands international protection, accountability and reparations.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
rns.org
After decades of controversies over sexuality and theology in the Anglican Communion, some leaders of a conservative coalition say it's time to make a final break.
religionnews.com/2025/11/19/g...
Global Anglican ties are under stress. It's unclear if they're at the breaking point
(AP) — After decades of fierce controversies over sexuality and theology in the Anglican Communion, some leaders of a conservative coalition say it's time to make a final break from what has long…
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
rns.org
Abdur-Rashid, or Imam Talib, as he was known to his community and to Muslims across the country, died Saturday (Nov. 15) in Harlem. No cause of death has been announced.
religionnews.com/2025/11/17/h...
Harlem spiritual leader and political luminary Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid dies at 74
(RNS) — An unwavering champion of social justice, Abdur-Rashid was seen as a direct descendant of the revolutionary Black Muslim leader Malcolm X and carried his legacy in sermons and protests.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
rns.org
Catholic Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi has called for justice for the victims, warning that there can be no peace without it.
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/i...
In Tanzania, faith leaders who speak out against post-election violence are targeted
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Catholic Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi has called for justice for the victims, warning that there can be no peace without it.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
rns.org
A delegation of Orthodox Christian clergy met with Trump administration officials and members of Congress this week, igniting feuds among both U.S. Orthodox Christian and Republican groups amid accusations that the visitors were agents of Russian influence.
religionnews.com/2025/11/21/o...
Orthodox Christian clergy call on US officials, drawing accusations of Russian influence
(RNS) — The visits have caused feuds among both US Orthodox Christian groups and Republicans.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
rns.org
OPINION: A sense of belonging arises mainly from meaningful relationships and conversations about those topics, not from simply having religious clubs and organizations on campus.
religionnews.com/2025/11/19/m...
Most colleges score low on helping students of all faiths – or none – develop a sense of belonging. Faculty can help change that
(The Conversation) — Respectful relationships are key to students’ sense that their spiritual identity is welcome on campus. Schools can help foster those connections.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
rns.org
The letter focused on an ongoing legal case concerning a provision to the United States tax code that bars nonprofits from being involved in political campaigns.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/e...
Democrats urge Trump administration to keep banning churches from endorsing politicians
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A letter from Democratic lawmakers warned that repealing the Johnson Amendment, set to be discussed in a hearing next week, would fracture a ‘foundation stone in the nation’s wall…
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
rns.org
America has become less religious — about 28% of Americans claim no religion — because white Americans are less religious.
religionnews.com/2025/11/18/w...
Why Trump's immigration crackdown may make America less Christian
(RNS) — America has become less religious because white Americans are less religious. Most recent immigrants are religious, and many are Christians.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM
rns.org
On Thursday morning, more than 140 merchants opened their stalls, selling candles, wool hats, candied almonds, mulled wine and other Christmas treats.
religionnews.com/2025/11/21/c...
Christmas market in Germany opens after last year's deadly attack in the city of Magdeburg
BERLIN (AP) — Following discussions about the sufficiency of the market's security earlier this month and a preliminary refusal by state officials to grant approval for the opening, the city and…
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
rns.org
OPINION: The far greater benefit would come in helping thousands of clergy to remain in their jobs. Definitive research shows that the presence of faith-based leaders in society has been among the most reliable predictors of a country’s social stability.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/b...
Bipartisan proposal would let clergy opt back in to Social Security
(RNS) — By allowing clergy who have opted out of the Social Security system to opt back in, the legislation will ensure that these crucial workers can continue to help the rest of us.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
rns.org
Faith leaders had expected the Charlotte area would see an uptick in ICE activity two months from now, in January, when additional funding for the agency passed by Congress takes effect.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/a...
As ICE descends on Charlotte, faith leaders draw on other cities' actions to aid immigrants
(RNS) — As many as 500 people, a mix of clergy and other volunteers, have appeared at the training sessions on how to counter ICE.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM
rns.org
Victims and church leaders echo Trump's claims that Christians are persecuted. They say they’ve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed because of their faith.
religionnews.com/2025/11/19/t...
Trump says Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. The reality is more complicated
LIGARI, Nigeria (AP) — Victims and church leaders echo Trump's claims that Christians are persecuted. They say they’ve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed because of their faith.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
rns.org
A new Common Mission Share plan would double the annual amount owed to the diocese by Trinity, while cutting costs for most other churches. Over the next 10 years, it would cost Trinity tens of millions of dollars.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/a...
A new funding plan puts NYC Bishop and Trinity Church at odds
(RNS) — A new funding plan would cut costs for most New York churches but calls on Trinity Church to double its donations to the diocese. Trinity leaders say they want to help but the bishop’s plan…
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
rns.org
OPINION: A court decision allowing Israeli women to take the Chief Rabbinate’s exams is the latest sign of growing recognition for women’s religious learning within Orthodox Judaism.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/o...
Orthodox Judaism is making space for women’s religious leadership – even without traditional ordination
(The Conversation) — A court decision allowing Israeli women to take the Chief Rabbinate’s exams is the latest sign of growing recognition for women’s religious learning within Orthodox Judaism.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM
rns.org
In October, Rutgers University held an academic panel on the rise of Hindu nationalism in the United States. The conversation traced how Hindutva influences politics in the sprawling Indian diaspora.
religionnews.com/2025/11/17/r...
How Rutgers University became the battleground for Hindu inclusion
(RNS) — Rutgers has long been at the helm of Hindu activism in America.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
rns.org
A federal immigration judge ruled to deport Marwan Marouf, a Dallas Muslim community leader arrested by ICE agents in late September. The 54-year-old, who has lived in the U.S. for 30 years, could be deported to Jordan within the next two weeks.
ICE to deport Dallas Muslim community leader Marwan Marouf
(RNS) — Marouf was arrested by ICE agents after his green card was denied over donations more than 20 years ago to the Holy Land Foundation, a defunct Muslim charity whose leaders were convicted of…
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:01 AM
rns.org
The United Kingdom is studded with megalithic formations dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. Many are finding in them a portal to the sacred.
religionnews.com/2025/11/21/h...
How the UK's ancient stones are drawing renewed awareness of the sacred
PENZANCE, England (RNS) — The United Kingdom is studded with megalithic formations dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. Many are finding in them a portal to the sacred.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 AM
rns.org
Rumors and viral reports about potential ICE raids have immigrant church leaders worried about their congregations. DHS says it doesn’t have plans to raid churches — but won’t rule it out.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/v...
Viral warnings of planned ICE raids on churches have pastors worried
(RNS) — Rumors and viral reports about potential ICE raids have immigrant church leaders worried about their congregations. DHS says it doesn’t have plans to raid churches — but won’t rule it out.
religionnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
rns.org
In a recent speech, Hegseth framed climate change research, policy and activism as a “religion" and declared there was “no more climate change worship” in the Department of War.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/4...
The theology of climate denial comes to the Pentagon
(RNS) — If you want cover for rolling back climate initiatives, few one-liners do as much work as calling them religious.
religionnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
rns.org
A neo-Nazi leader has pleaded guilty in New York to trying to recruit others to commit violent attacks against Jews and racial minorities, including one plot that would have involved dressing as Santa Claus to hand out poisoned candy to children.
religionnews.com/2025/11/20/n...
Neo-Nazi leader admits plot to give poisoned candy to Jewish kids in New York City
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors said they would seek a sentence of up to 18 years for Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 22-year-old from the Republic of Georgia who goes by the nickname “Commander…
religionnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
rns.org
By appealing to maternal concerns about what kids eat or learn and offering a sense of clarity, community and stability, these influencers create an on-ramp for conservative political engagement that many of them frame as part of a spiritual war.
religionnews.com/2025/11/21/f...
From vaccines to gender: How Christian 'momfluencers' are reshaping the American right
(RNS) — 'Nothing is politically more powerful than an angry mother,' conservative wellness influencer Alex Clark told RNS.
religionnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:30 PM
rns.org
What’s next for Catholic colleges and universities in an increasingly pluralistic America? Join RNS Editor-in-Chief Paul O’Donnell in conversation with @heidischlumpf.bsky.social, Robert Vischer, Patricia McGuire and Amy Uelmen on Dec. 4 for a virtual panel.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
rns.org
Virginia is the denomination’s largest domestic diocese, which combined with its history of slavery made its reparations quest especially significant when anti-racism efforts were surging across the country after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
religionnews.com/2025/11/19/v...
Virginia's Episcopal bishop says diocese identified sources for $10M reparations fund
(RNS) — The announcement came after former Racial Reparations Task Force members expressed doubts over the diocese’s commitment to deliver on its 2021 promise and uncertainty about its ability to…
religionnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM
rns.org
It was only around the turn of the 20th century that most people in the U.S. came to associate Thanksgiving with Plymouth “Pilgrims” and generic “Indians” sharing a historic meal.
religionnews.com/2025/11/17/h...
How the Plymouth Pilgrims took over Thanksgiving – and who history left behind
(The Conversation) — In some ways, Thanksgiving is a tradition that unites Americans. But the classic image of the Pilgrims obscures important parts of the country’s story.
religionnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM