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Thousands of Haitians mark annual pilgrimage far from a sacred waterfall surrounded by gangs
Read full article: Thousands of Haitians mark annual pilgrimage far from a sacred waterfall surrounded by gangsThousands have been forced to forgo an annual pilgrimage to a revered waterfall in central Haiti, now in territory held by gangs, where they would splash among sacred waters and rub their bodies with aromatic leaves.
In African politics, the rampant belief in witchcraft fortifies some and vexes others
Read full article: In African politics, the rampant belief in witchcraft fortifies some and vexes othersIn Uganda, politics often intertwines with spiritual beliefs, as many politicians secretly consult traditional healers or witch doctors for perceived advantages.
France's prime minister wants to cut 2 public holidays to save money for the indebted economy
Read full article: France's prime minister wants to cut 2 public holidays to save money for the indebted economyFranceās prime minister has proposed cutting two public holidays to save money in next yearās budget.
UN finds rising child malnutrition in Gaza, where officials say Israeli strikes kill 93 people
Read full article: UN finds rising child malnutrition in Gaza, where officials say Israeli strikes kill 93 peopleThe U.N. reports that child malnutrition in Gaza has doubled since Israel restricted food entry in March.
Netanyahu's governing coalition is fracturing. Here's what it means for Israel and Gaza
Read full article: Netanyahu's governing coalition is fracturing. Here's what it means for Israel and GazaAn Israeli ultra-Orthodox party has announced plans to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.
One tireless Jesuit keeps alive a pilgrim path for St. Ignatius in Spain
Read full article: One tireless Jesuit keeps alive a pilgrim path for St. Ignatius in SpainJosep LluĆs Iriberri is a Jesuit priest who designed a pilgrim path for St. Ignatius in northern Spain more than a decade ago.
Suspected Kentucky church shooter had a domestic violence hearing the next day
Read full article: Suspected Kentucky church shooter had a domestic violence hearing the next dayA man accused of killing two women at a Kentucky church on Sunday had been scheduled for a domestic violence hearing the following day.
Here's what triggered the latest deadly violence in Syria, and why it matters
Read full article: Here's what triggered the latest deadly violence in Syria, and why it mattersClashes between Syrian government forces and Druze armed groups have escalated, drawing Israeli intervention and raising fears of a breakdown in the countryās fragile postwar order.
Bald eagle's new status as the official US bird brings pride and hope to many Native Americans
Read full article: Bald eagle's new status as the official US bird brings pride and hope to many Native AmericansMany Native Americans are marking ceremonies like graduations with bald eagle feathers, a form of reverence for the bird they have always held sacred as a messenger to the Creator.
Israeli strikes kill at least 32 in Gaza as Palestinian war deaths top 58,000
Read full article: Israeli strikes kill at least 32 in Gaza as Palestinian war deaths top 58,000Health officials in Gaza say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 32 people, including six children at a water collection point.
From one 14 to another, White Sox great Konerko gets gift from Pope Leo XIV in honor of 2005 title
Read full article: From one 14 to another, White Sox great Konerko gets gift from Pope Leo XIV in honor of 2005 titleWhite Sox great Paul Konerko got a present from one No. 14 to another in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series championship run ā a jersey signed by noted Chicago fan Pope Leo XIV.
59 Palestinians in Gaza are killed by Israeli airstrikes or shot dead while seeking aid
Read full article: 59 Palestinians in Gaza are killed by Israeli airstrikes or shot dead while seeking aidWitnesses and health workers say at least 31 Palestinians have been shot dead in Gaza while seeking food aid.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi says Iran threatens her life after its war with Israel
Read full article: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi says Iran threatens her life after its war with IsraelThe Norwegian Nobel Committee warns that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi faces threats to her life from Iranian security services.
Tired of put-downs, Tennessee town corrects the record with play about the Scopes trial it hosted
Read full article: Tired of put-downs, Tennessee town corrects the record with play about the Scopes trial it hostedA small town in Tennessee courted national publicity a century ago when it recruited a local teacher to challenge a state law banning the teaching of evolution.
Thousands gather in Srebrenica on 30th anniversary of Europe's only acknowledged genocide since WWII
Read full article: Thousands gather in Srebrenica on 30th anniversary of Europe's only acknowledged genocide since WWIIThousands of people from Bosnia and around the world are gathering in Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of the massacre of more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men.
A century after a man was convicted of teaching evolution, the debate on religion in schools rages
Read full article: A century after a man was convicted of teaching evolution, the debate on religion in schools ragesThe 1925 Scopes āMonkey Trialā in Tennessee, where a teacher was prosecuted for teaching evolution, continues to influence debates on religion in public schools.
Rescuers search for missing crew from Red Sea attack as US alleges Yemen rebels 'kidnapped' them
Read full article: Rescuers search for missing crew from Red Sea attack as US alleges Yemen rebels 'kidnapped' themRescuers have found four more crew members from the ship Eternity C, which Yemen's Houthi rebels sank in the Red Sea.
Report on curbing antisemitism in Australia recommends threatening university funding
Read full article: Report on curbing antisemitism in Australia recommends threatening university fundingA report is recommending Australian universities lose government funding unless they address attacks on Jewish students and for potential immigrants to be screened for political affiliations.
A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided
Read full article: A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts dividedA surprise move by the IRS that would allow pastors to back political candidates from the pulpit without losing their organizationās tax-exempt status is drawing praise from conservatives and even some progressive religious groups but concern from other leaders of faith, along with tax and legal experts.
Faith-based camps like those hit by Texas floods are rite of passage for many. They're now grieving
Read full article: Faith-based camps like those hit by Texas floods are rite of passage for many. They're now grievingCatastrophic flooding in Texas has devastated faith-based summer camps, including Camp Mystic, where at least 27 people have died.
Armenian lawmakers brawl as the government cracks down on its political opponents
Read full article: Armenian lawmakers brawl as the government cracks down on its political opponentsA brawl erupted in Armeniaās National Assembly involving an opposition lawmaker who later was stripped of his parliamentary immunity and faces prosecution for calling for the ouster of President Nikol Pashinyan.
US adults want the government to focus on child care costs, not birth rates, AP-NORC poll finds
Read full article: US adults want the government to focus on child care costs, not birth rates, AP-NORC poll findsA new AP-NORC poll finds most Americans do not want the government to focus on increasing birth rates, despite efforts by the Trump administration to make this a priority.
Newly elected Seventh-day Adventist Church leader reflects on challenges and faithās healthy living
Read full article: Newly elected Seventh-day Adventist Church leader reflects on challenges and faithās healthy livingErton Kƶhler, a pastor from Brazil, has been elected president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church General Conference.
Pastors who endorse political candidates shouldn't lose tax-exempt status, IRS says in filing
Read full article: Pastors who endorse political candidates shouldn't lose tax-exempt status, IRS says in filingThe IRS says pastors endorsing political candidates during services should not risk losing their tax-exempt status.
Trump and Netanyahu take a victory lap to mark strikes on Iran nuclear facilities
Read full article: Trump and Netanyahu take a victory lap to mark strikes on Iran nuclear facilitiesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is telling President Donald Trump that he is nominating the U.S. leader for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missing
Read full article: Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missingThe death toll from flash floods that raged through central Texas has risen to 82 after searchers found more bodies.
Pope Leo XIV resumes tradition and arrives Castel Gandolfo for vacation to restore 'body and spirit'
Read full article: Pope Leo XIV resumes tradition and arrives Castel Gandolfo for vacation to restore 'body and spirit'Pope Leo XIV has arrived at the papal summer retreat of Castel Gandolfo to start a six-week vacation.
The Dalai Lama says he hopes to live more than 130 years ahead of 90th birthday
Read full article: The Dalai Lama says he hopes to live more than 130 years ahead of 90th birthdayThe Dalai Lama says he hopes to live until he is over 130 years old, a remark he made during a ceremony organized by his followers to offer prayers for his long life as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Pope Leo XIV resumes the tradition of taking a summer vacation. But he's got plenty of homework
Read full article: Pope Leo XIV resumes the tradition of taking a summer vacation. But he's got plenty of homeworkPope Leo XIV is starting a six-week vacation this weekend at the papal summer retreat south of Rome.
India's leader promises trade and investment in a visit to Trinidad and Tobago
Read full article: India's leader promises trade and investment in a visit to Trinidad and TobagoIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised continued trade and investment in Trinidad and Tobago in an address to the nationās parliament.
Trump says he didn't know an offensive term he used in a speech is considered antisemitic
Read full article: Trump says he didn't know an offensive term he used in a speech is considered antisemiticPresident Donald Trump says he didnāt know that the term āshylockā is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders.
Supreme Court to consider reviving evangelist's lawsuit over restrictions in small Mississippi town
Read full article: Supreme Court to consider reviving evangelist's lawsuit over restrictions in small Mississippi townThe Supreme Court will consider whether to revive a lawsuit from a man barred from evangelizing outside a small-town Mississippi amphitheater after authorities say he shouted insults at people over a loudspeaker.
Amnesty International says Israel and aid system use starvation to commit Gaza genocide
Read full article: Amnesty International says Israel and aid system use starvation to commit Gaza genocideAmnesty International has issued a report saying a controversial system to distribute aid in Gaza uses starvation tactics against Palestinians to continue to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip during Israelās war with Hamas.
Strikes kill 94 Palestinians in Gaza, including 45 people waiting for aid, authorities say
Read full article: Strikes kill 94 Palestinians in Gaza, including 45 people waiting for aid, authorities sayIsraeli airstrikes and shootings have killed 94 Palestinians in Gaza, including 45 who were attempting to get much-needed humanitarian aid.
A volunteer finds the Holy Grail of abolitionist-era Baptist documents in Massachusetts
Read full article: A volunteer finds the Holy Grail of abolitionist-era Baptist documents in MassachusettsA volunteer searching the archives of the American Baptist in Massachusetts has found a nearly 180-year-old document shedding light on the church's support for ending slavery.
Iranās president orders country to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA
Read full article: Iranās president orders country to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEAIranās president has ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities.
The Dalai Lama says he plans to reincarnate, ensuring the institution will continue
Read full article: The Dalai Lama says he plans to reincarnate, ensuring the institution will continueTibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death, ending speculation ignited by his remark that he might be the last person to hold the role.
Iran assesses the damage and lashes out after Israeli and US strikes damage its nuclear sites
Read full article: Iran assesses the damage and lashes out after Israeli and US strikes damage its nuclear sitesIran is assessing the damage and lashing out over the American and Israeli airstrikes that damaged its nuclear sites.
How Democrats in Americaās most Jewish city embraced a critic of Israel for New York mayor
Read full article: How Democrats in Americaās most Jewish city embraced a critic of Israel for New York mayorZohran Mamdani, an outspoken critic of Israel, is the expected Democratic nominee for mayor in Americaās most Jewish city and that's raising alarms among some in the New York's Jewish community.
Pope Leo XIV marks feast day as Vatican launches campaign to help erase its $57-68 million deficit
Read full article: Pope Leo XIV marks feast day as Vatican launches campaign to help erase its $57-68 million deficitPope Leo XIV is marking a feast day as the Vatican launches a new campaign to boost donations from the faithful.
At 100, this globetrotting Catholic priest still bakes pies, enjoys opera and celebrates daily Mass
Read full article: At 100, this globetrotting Catholic priest still bakes pies, enjoys opera and celebrates daily MassThe Rev. James Kelly baptized and married thousands of people, ministered to the ill at hospitals, and traveled the world.
Netanyahu denounces report that Israeli soldiers have orders to shoot at Palestinians seeking aid
Read full article: Netanyahu denounces report that Israeli soldiers have orders to shoot at Palestinians seeking aidIsraeli leaders are denying claims that soldiers were ordered to shoot at Palestinians approaching aid sites in Gaza.
Supreme Court says Maryland parents can pull their kids from public school lessons using LGBTQ books
Read full article: Supreme Court says Maryland parents can pull their kids from public school lessons using LGBTQ booksA lawyer says the Supreme Court's ruling that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks is a historic victory for parental rights.
Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirements
Read full article: Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirementsThe Supreme Court has preserved a key part of the Affordable Care Actās preventive health care coverage requirements, rejecting a challenge from Christian employers to the provision that affects 150 million Americans.
Crowds block Armenian security forces seeking to arrest a clergyman who criticized the government
Read full article: Crowds block Armenian security forces seeking to arrest a clergyman who criticized the governmentSecurity forces faced off with crowds at the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church as the government sought to arrest a cleric in the latest move against outspoken critics of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
A US diocese defies trends and ordains its largest class of Catholic priests in decades
Read full article: A US diocese defies trends and ordains its largest class of Catholic priests in decadesThe Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, recently ordained 12 new Catholic priests in a joyful Mass at its cathedral.
An Israeli strike kills 18 Palestinians in central Gaza as turmoil mounts over food distribution
Read full article: An Israeli strike kills 18 Palestinians in central Gaza as turmoil mounts over food distributionPalestinian hospital officials say an Israeli airstrike has hit a street in central Gaza, killing 18 people.
Vatican unveils last of restored Raphael Rooms after 10-year cleaning that yielded new discoveries
Read full article: Vatican unveils last of restored Raphael Rooms after 10-year cleaning that yielded new discoveriesThe Vatican Museums has unveiled the last and most important of the restored Raphael Rooms.
Majority of US adults support religious chaplains in public schools, a new AP-NORC poll shows
Read full article: Majority of US adults support religious chaplains in public schools, a new AP-NORC poll showsA new poll finds few Americans support allowing religious schools to become tax-funded public charter schools.
Who was Olga, the Alaska Native drawing devotion as Orthodoxy's new saint?
Read full article: Who was Olga, the Alaska Native drawing devotion as Orthodoxy's new saint?The first female Orthodox saint in North America was an Indigenous woman who spent her entire life with her Yup'ik family and neighbors in a village in southwest Alaska.
Iranās Khamenei resurfaces to warn against future US attacks in first statement since ceasefire
Read full article: Iranās Khamenei resurfaces to warn against future US attacks in first statement since ceasefireIranās Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says his country has delivered a "slap to Americaās faceā with its strike on an American base in Qatar and warned against any further U.S. attacks on Iran.
Analysis: A battered Iran faces an uncertain future after its grinding war with Israel
Read full article: Analysis: A battered Iran faces an uncertain future after its grinding war with IsraelThe bombing has quieted in Iranās 12-day conflict with Israel, but the battle over the future of Tehran is likely to soon begin.
Who is Zohran Mamdani? State lawmaker seeks to become NYC's first Muslim and Indian American mayor
Read full article: Who is Zohran Mamdani? State lawmaker seeks to become NYC's first Muslim and Indian American mayorZohran Mamdani had been a state lawmaker unknown even to most New Yorkers before announcing his run for mayor.
Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas' new Ten Commandments in schools law
Read full article: Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas' new Ten Commandments in schools lawA group of Dallas-area families and faith leaders has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Armenian authorities arrest an archbishop and accuse him of plotting against the government
Read full article: Armenian authorities arrest an archbishop and accuse him of plotting against the governmentOne of Armeniaās top religious leaders was arrested on terrorism charges and accused of plotting to overthrow the government, the second arrest in a week of a prominent political opponent.
In US, the Iranian diaspora contends with the Israel-Iran war and a fragile ceasefire
Read full article: In US, the Iranian diaspora contends with the Israel-Iran war and a fragile ceasefireThe fast-changing war between Israel and Iran, which the U.S. recently inserted itself in by targeting Iranās nuclear sites, has caused a mix of emotions among many in the Iranian diaspora in America.
The Latest: Trump says US and Iranian officials will talk next week as ceasefire holds
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says US and Iranian officials will talk next week as ceasefire holdsThe fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday while U.S. President Donald Trump said that U.S. and Iranian officials will talk next week.
7 Israeli troops are killed in a Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79
Read full article: 7 Israeli troops are killed in a Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79Israel is reporting one of its deadliest days in Gaza in months as its military says seven soldiers have been killed in a bomb attack.
Charitable giving in 2024 was up, according to new Giving USA report
Read full article: Charitable giving in 2024 was up, according to new Giving USA reportCharities received $592.5 billion in donations in 2024, a 3.3% increase over 2023, after adjusting for inflation, according to the most recent āGiving USAā³ report, which takes a comprehensive look at U.S. philanthropy.
Gaza health authorities say Israel kills 44 waiting for aid as war's death toll passes 56,000
Read full article: Gaza health authorities say Israel kills 44 waiting for aid as war's death toll passes 56,000Palestinian witnesses and hospitals say Israeli forces and drones have opened fire toward hundreds of people waiting for aid in southern and central Gaza, killing at least 44 people.
Supreme Court will hear case of Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were shaved by Louisiana prison guards
Read full article: Supreme Court will hear case of Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were shaved by Louisiana prison guardsThe Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of a former Louisiana prison inmate whose dreadlocks were shaved by guards in violation of his religious beliefs.
A pastor says God and a heroic security team prevented a mass shooting at his Detroit-area church
Read full article: A pastor says God and a heroic security team prevented a mass shooting at his Detroit-area churchA pastor says God had a hand in preventing a mass shooting at his suburban Detroit church where more than 100 people had gathered to worship.
New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom
Read full article: New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroomTexas will require all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments under a new state law that will make the state the nationās largest to attempt to impose such a mandate.
Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classrooms
Read full article: Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classroomsA panel of three federal appellate judges has ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in each of the stateās public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
The Latest: Israel and Iran trade strikes as European diplomacy yields no breakthrough
Read full article: The Latest: Israel and Iran trade strikes as European diplomacy yields no breakthroughA week into their war, Israel and Iran have exchanged more strikes while diplomatic efforts led by the Europeans took place in Geneva.
The Latest: Israel threatens Iran's supreme leader as Iranian strikes wound over 200
Read full article: The Latest: Israel threatens Iran's supreme leader as Iranian strikes wound over 200Iranian missiles have hit a major hospital in southern Israel and struck residential buildings in Tel Aviv, wounding 240 people and causing extensive damage.
A Kenyan preacher who claimed responsibility for 'miracle babies' is killed in a car crash
Read full article: A Kenyan preacher who claimed responsibility for 'miracle babies' is killed in a car crashA televangelist in Kenya who was notorious for claiming to cure infertility in women died in a car crash on Tuesday.
Religious leaders released from Nicaraguan prison say their experience only strengthens their faith
Read full article: Religious leaders released from Nicaraguan prison say their experience only strengthens their faithU.S. efforts resulted in the release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners including faith leaders in September 2024.
Evacuees from Israel and stranded Israelis find shelter and kosher meals in Cyprus
Read full article: Evacuees from Israel and stranded Israelis find shelter and kosher meals in CyprusHundreds of Jews from the United States and elsewhere have been evacuated from Israel aboard a cruise ship to Cyprus.
The Latest: Iran's supreme leader refuses to surrender as Trump considers joining Israeli strikes
Read full article: The Latest: Iran's supreme leader refuses to surrender as Trump considers joining Israeli strikesExplosions were heard in Iran's capital as Israeli warplanes pounded Tehran throughout the day and night.
10 years after Charleston church massacre, faith leaders lament that the country hasn't changed
Read full article: 10 years after Charleston church massacre, faith leaders lament that the country hasn't changedMother Emanuel AME church made an ecumenical gesture for the commemoration of a racist shooting that killed nine of its Black members 10 years ago on Tuesday.
āThe Chosenā swaps Texas for Italy to film the crucifixion for the hit drama about Jesus Christ
Read full article: āThe Chosenā swaps Texas for Italy to film the crucifixion for the hit drama about Jesus ChristIn the south of Italy, Matera is known as the āCity of Stonesā for its architecture.
The Latest: Trump says all of Tehran should evacuate 'immediately'
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says all of Tehran should evacuate 'immediately'U.S. President Donald Trump has posted an ominous message on his social media site, calling for the immediate evacuation of Tehran but later denied reports that he'd rushed back to Washington to work on a ceasefire.
The Latest: Iranians flee their capital as Trump urges unconditional surrender
Read full article: The Latest: Iranians flee their capital as Trump urges unconditional surrenderResidents of Iranās capital were seen leaving the city and shops and the historic Grand Bazaar were closed Tuesday, the fifth day of the intensifying conflict started by Israel.
Intense Israeli strikes hit Tehran after Trump demands 'unconditional surrender'
Read full article: Intense Israeli strikes hit Tehran after Trump demands 'unconditional surrender'Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranās capital early Wednesday after it issued a warning about a new area it could target, a day after U_S_ President Donald Trump demanded āunconditional surrender.ā.
New Jersey can have a grand jury investigate clergy sex abuse allegations, state high court rules
Read full article: New Jersey can have a grand jury investigate clergy sex abuse allegations, state high court rulesNew Jerseyās Supreme Court says the state can have a grand jury investigate allegations of clergy sexually abusing children and report findings.
Israeli opposition leader Lapid rallies behind Iran operation, after months of criticizing Netanyahu
Read full article: Israeli opposition leader Lapid rallies behind Iran operation, after months of criticizing NetanyahuIsrael's opposition leader pushed just days ago to topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Works begin in Ireland to exhume remains of hundreds of babies found at unwed mothers' home
Read full article: Works begin in Ireland to exhume remains of hundreds of babies found at unwed mothers' homeOfficials in Ireland are starting work to excavate the site of a former church-run home for unmarried women and their babies to identify the remains of some 800 infants and young children who died there.
A Congolese customs worker who resisted corruption is beatified by the Vatican
Read full article: A Congolese customs worker who resisted corruption is beatified by the VaticanThe Vatican has beatified a Congolese government worker who was killed for resisting corruption, giving young people in a part of the world wracked with violence a new model of holiness.