Facing child trafficking allegations at one of its homes for unmarried mothers in India, the Missionaries of Charity said the order condemns the actions of individuals involved and stressed that these are unrelated to the order.

The private letter, sent more than a year ago, may have had changed Mr. Kelly’s mind for a time.

50 years ago, black priests wanted to feel accepted for who they were: African-American clergy who could share a rich cultural heritage but were feeling suppressed by white-dominated church leadership.

The religious order said approval of the pipeline violated the sisters' right to practice their faith under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and they asked that it be rerouted.

After applying for an internship, I was told I would not be able to wear my religious habit. How could I reconcile this bias with my Catholic faith?

Dr. Shannen Dee Williams is uncovering the previously hidden lives of African-American women religious.