Two same-sex partners exchange wedding bands during a 2017 ceremony at the civil registry office in Munich. (CNS photo/Marc Mueller, EPA)

German bishop urges church debate on blessing same-sex unions

by Catholic News Service January 12, 2018

In the fall, the first gay weddings were conducted in Germany, following a June 30 vote by the parliament to allow full same-sex marriage.

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Faith, News

The top 10 worst countries for Christian persecution

by Kimberly Winston - Religion News Service January 11, 2018

A watchdog organization identified three global trends in persecution against Christians.

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Chinese bishop released from detention after more than seven months

by Catholic News Service January 11, 2018

The bishop has not joined government-approved associations for church officials.

Venezuelan migrants walk across the border from Venezuela into the Brazilian city of Pacaraima. In his message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees Jan. 14, Pope Francis urged countries to welcome, protect and integrate foreigners who cross their borders. (CNS photo/Nacho Doce)

News, Politics & Society

In Chile and Peru, Pope Francis will see Latin America’s migrant crisis

by Barbara Fraser - Catholic News Service January 10, 2018

Spiraling inflation, a shortage of necessities such as food and medicine, and high crime rates have driven hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans to seek better opportunities in other countries.

News, Politics & Society

Philippine Catholic procession secured tightly amid terror fears

by Jim Gomez - Associated Press January 9, 2018

A massive crowd of mostly barefoot Filipino Catholics joined a raucous procession of a centuries-old life-size statue of Jesus Christ under extra-tight security.

Palestinian protesters take cover behind a metal plate during clashes with Israeli troops following protests against U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

News, Politics & Society

Is Trump widening a rift between the evangelicals and Middle Eastern Christians?

by Jack Jenkins - Religion News Service January 9, 2018

The embassy move appears to make an already delicate existence even more complicated for Palestinian Christians.

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Preparing for Pope Francis, young Chileans say they’re glad he wants to hear their opinions

by Jane Chambers - Catholic News Service January 9, 2018

“Today people my age feel very alone, and that’s why we are always on social media. We want to feel part of something. And today the church doesn’t offer people enough to help them feel they are part of a group.”

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Federal court upholds free speech rights of Baltimore pregnancy centers

by George P. Matysek, Jr. - Catholic News Service January 9, 2018

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down a Baltimore ordinance that would have forced pro-life pregnancy centers in the city to post signs stating they do not provide or refer for abortions or contraceptives.

News, Politics & Society

Indiana ‘Dreamer’ faces family breakup if DACA is allowed to expire

by Katie Rutter - Catholic News Service January 9, 2018

Brenda Martinez grew up in relative security until the crushing day when her godmother explained that she was undocumented. Now she worries the end of DACA means she will lose her children.