Gunmen attack bus carrying Coptic Christians, killing at least 24 in Egypt

by Maggie Michael - Associated Press May 26, 2017

Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians south of the Egyptian capital on Friday, killing 24 people and wounding 25, officials said.

Heritage Academy senior Maddi Runkles. Photo courtesy of Maddi Runkles

Faith, News

‘Because she was immoral’: Christian school denies pregnant teen graduation walk

by Adelle Banks - Religion News Service May 25, 2017

“Maddi is being disciplined, not because she’s pregnant, but because she was immoral,” wrote David R. Hobbs, the school administrator.

Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., prays on Nov. 16 during the opening of the 2015 fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

News, Politics & Society

Immigration, religious freedom and the next synod are on the agenda for the U.S. bishops meeting

by Rhina Guidos - Catholic News Service May 22, 2017

The bishops’ spring assembly will include discussions ranging from immigration to religious freedom, as well as the Synod of Bishops on youth.

In this Jan. 10, 2017, file photo, Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, stands before the opening of the 85th Texas Legislative session in the house chambers at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Faith, News

Catholic organizations praise Texas religious liberty bill

by Catholic News Service May 15, 2017

The bill allows organizations and individuals “with sincerely held religious beliefs to remove themselves from actions in direct violation of their faith.”

President Donald Trump waves before delivering keynote address at Liberty University's commencement in Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S., on May 13, 2017. Photo courtesy REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

News, Politics & Society

Americans “don’t worship government, we worship God,” Trump says at Liberty commencement

by Lauren Markoe - Religion News Service May 15, 2017

Trump, who received an honorary law degree at Liberty’s commencement, said he was making good on his promises.

20170504T1502-055-CNS-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-EXECUTIVE-ORDER

Podcasts, Politics & Society

Donald Trump’s Catholic Outreach

by The Editors May 10, 2017

This week Matt Malone, S.J., and Kerry Weber discuss a range of political issues, from the recent chatter about whether or not pro-life people are welcome in the Democratic Party, to President Trump’s public engagement with the Catholic Church. Senior Editor Kevin Clarke also offers his expertise. Joining them is Michael O’Loughlin, the national correspondent […]

Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama weep as they react to the judges' verdict outside the court where his sentencing hearing is held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

News, Politics & Society

Indonesian Christian governor sentenced to two years for blaspheming the Quran

by Stephen Wright - Associated Press and Ali Kotarumalos - Associated Press May 9, 2017

An Indonesian court sentenced the minority Christian governor of Jakarta to two years in prison on Tuesday for blaspheming the Quran.

President Donald Trump shows his signed Executive Order on Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty during a National Day of Prayer event at the White House in Washington on May 4. (CNS photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA)

News, Politics & Society

How church leaders are reacting to Trump’s latest executive order

by Carol Zimmermann - Catholic News Service May 5, 2017

Many religious leaders viewed President Donald Trump’s executive order on religious freedom, which he signed in a White House Rose Garden ceremony on May 4, as a step in the right direction.