War, hostages, antisemitism: A somber backdrop to this year's Passover observances
This year, for many Jews, the mood for Passover will be somber due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the rise of antisemitic incidents elsewhere.
NYC Rabbi and Imam tackle hate speech, stress compassion and hope in troubled times
Religious leaders in New York City are working to adjust their message as Passover begins this evening, in the shadow of the ongoing war in the Middle East and the protests it has sparked.
This Filipino villager was nailed to a cross for the 35th time on Good Friday
Ruben Enaje and other villagers participated in real-life crucifixions, which have become an annual tradition in his village in the Philippines.
Here's what's open and closed on Good Friday 2024
Good Friday, a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter, is a day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. Here’s what’s likely to be open and closed.
Trump is selling Bibles for $59.99 ahead of Easter
Former President Donald Trump is hawking Bibles as he runs to return to the White House.
Gold ring with mark of Christ lost 500 years ago recently found in excellent condition
Carved with the figure of Christ, the ring dates to the beginning of the 15th Century.
Nashville Christian nightclub challenges tradition: No twerking, no drinking, just faith-fueled fun
The Cove, a Nashville nightclub with strict rules against twerking, drinking, and smoking, is making waves by offering a unique experience: Christian music and faith-filled fun.
Visiting pastor halts sermon to save woman choking on peppermint
Pastor Brandon Stewart, while delivering a sermon at Mt. Zion Church in Cottonwood, Alabama, swiftly transitioned from preacher to hero when he saved a woman from choking.
Archdiocese of New York denounces transgender activist's funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral
The funeral of renowned transgender activist Cecilia Gentili in St. Patrick's Cathedral elicited a denunciation of the event by a senior church official, who called the Mass a scandal.
McDonald's offering filet-o-fish deal during Lent
The restaurant chain kicked off the special offer for the popular fish sandwich this week, and it’s available at participating locations.
Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday collide: When love meets Lent
Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day fall on the same day this year – a day of indulgence meeting a day of abstaining.
More U.S. adults now identify their religion as 'none' than anything else
A recent study by Pew Research finds that nearly 30% of Americans say they have no religious affiliation.
Pastor pockets $1.3M on crypto scheme targeting Christians
Colorado pastor Eli Regalado and wife Kaitlyn "sold a cryptocurrency, known as the ‘INDXcoin,’ to members of the Christian community" and admitted to pocketing $1.3 million.
Pope Francis condemns surrogacy as 'despicable,' calls for global ban
Pope Francis called Monday for a universal ban on what he called the “despicable” practice of surrogate motherhood, as he included the “commercialization” of pregnancy in an annual speech listing threats to global peace and human dignity.
Pope Francis individually baptizes infants during annual ceremony at Sistine Chapel
Pope Francis baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday under the ceiling frescoed by Michelangelo, in what has become an annual tradition near the end of the Christmas holiday period at the Vatican.
Shia LaBeouf converts to Catholicism, was confirmed at New Year's Eve Mass
Actor Shia LaBeouf has converted to Catholicism.
Watch Night service: How the tradition for Black Americans has evolved since 1862
Watch Night services, which date back to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, are still observed on New Year's Eve at many multiracial and predominately Black churches in the US.
Rapper Ye issues a Hebrew apology for previous antisemitic comments
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who has a long history of making antisemitic comments, apologized to the Jewish community in an Instagram post written in Hebrew on Tuesday.
Pope Francis, in Christmas Day blessing, begs for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, “is a place of sorrow and silence" this year, Pope Francis lamented as he pleaded for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Pope Francis celebrates birthday amid church reforms, health concerns
Pope Francis turned 87 on Sunday, closing out a year that saw big milestones in his efforts to reform the Catholic Church as well as health scares that raise questions about his future as pope.