Churches & Religion

Inhofe: Pope’s climate encyclical could harm poor

June 18, 2015, 12:00am Churches & Religion

WASHINGTON — The leading global warming skeptic in Congress says he disagrees with Pope Francis on climate change. The pope issued a teaching document Thursday that blames global warming on an unfair, fossil fuel-based industrial model that harms the poor most. Read story

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gestures as he talks during a special ritual ceremony at the Tibetan Children's Village School in Dharmsala, India.

Dalai Lama to receive Liberty Medal for human rights work

June 17, 2015, 12:00am Churches & Religion

PHILADELPHIA — The Dalai Lama will be honored with Philadelphia's Liberty Medal for his efforts to promote compassion and human rights around the globe. Read story

John Nienstedt
St. Paul-Minneapolis archbishop resigns

Minnesota-St. Paul archbishop quits; archdiocese charged

June 15, 2015, 12:00am Churches & Religion

VATICAN CITY — The embattled archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis and his deputy resigned Monday after years of pressure, an indication Pope Francis is making good on his promise that no one is above the law when it comes to covering up for clergy who sexually abuse children. Read story

Marriam Biira, Ron Gladden and Mike Davis discuss the process of getting Marriam to the U.S. for medical treatment they hope will allow her to walk again.

Making life better for Marriam

June 13, 2015, 12:00am Churches & Religion

Marriam Biira doesn't have any memories of walking. Read story

U.S. Catholic bishops discuss how to best follow pope’s lead

June 13, 2015, 12:00am Churches & Religion

ST. LOUIS — The nation's Roman Catholic bishops engaged Thursday in a rare public discussion about whether their priorities properly reflect those of Pope Francis, with one church leader urging an emphasis on helping immigrants that's at least as energetic as the bishops' focus on religious freedom. Read story

Fight snares oldest synagogue in U.S.

School girls gather outside the visitor's center May 28 at the Touro Synagogue during a tour in Newport, R.I.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The leaders of the congregation that owns the nation's oldest synagogue were offended and appalled when the congregation that worships there tried to sell a pair of ceremonial bells for $7 million, a trustee testified Monday as a trial over control of the synagogue entered its second… Read story

Pope creates abuse tribunal for cases of bishop negligence

Pope Francis exchanges his skull cap with one donated to him as he leaves at the end of his weekly general audience in St.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has created a new tribunal section inside the Vatican to hear cases of bishops accused of covering up for priests who raped and molested children, the biggest step the Holy See has taken to hold bishops accountable for abuse. Read story