News

Kamala Harris’ religious roots reflect those of America’s changing faith footprint

July 24, 2024

President Joe Biden made history by withdrawing his candidacy for a second term. The reconfigured Democratic presidential ticket he endorsed, with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top, would be historic in itself, but would also be a map of America’s future.

If nominated by her party in the coming days, as it appears more certain as Democratic leaders coalesce around her, Harris would be the first Black woman to be nominated by a major party for president and the...

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New Mexico tribe gets back 'Apache Christ' icon, and a new pastor

July 16, 2024

Apache Catholics at a New Mexico parish told OSV News more questions than answers remain after two pieces of art belonging to the community were suddenly removed from their church, then returned to tribal offices a few days later after public outcry — with no clear explanation from diocesan personnel, the now-former pastor and other individuals apparently connected to the matter.

Parishioners with whom OSV News spoke also said the incident and its handling by the diocese underscore the need for greater pastoral efforts in effective ministry to the church's Indigenous Catholics...

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NYC, interfaith leaders blast "unimaginable" Donald Trump assassination attempt

July 15, 2024

 

NEW YORK -- New York City and interfaith leaders united Sunday to denounce the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The message was crystal clear: there is no room for hateful rhetoric and political violence.

 

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/donald-trump-assassination-attempt-new-york-city-eric-adams/

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Interfaith leaders rally in Milwaukee to promote the We All Belong campaign

July 15, 2024

 

Local and national interfaith leaders gathered for a rally to promote the We All Belong campaign at the Zelazo Center on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's campus Sunday afternoon.

The We All Belong campaign is led by MICAH, the Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope, and was launched nearly one year ago. The campaign was influenced by one reverend’s warning during a religious conference about white Christian nationalism and its threat to democracy.

The three...

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Are Interfaith Connections Helping People Address Their Loneliness?

July 12, 2024

Loneliness looms large in today’s digital age, where we are more connected online than ever. Loneliness has become a pervasive issue, impacting the health and well-being of individuals and communities alike.  

Amidst this public health crisis, interfaith initiatives are emerging as powerful agents of change, fostering community and social connection across diverse worldviews.   

Source: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/article/helping-address-loneliness/

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Temple Ohabei Shalom: The Longest Enduring Jewish Congregation In Massachusetts

July 10, 2024

Temple Ohabei Shalom is a gorgeous synagogue that’s progressive in attitude yet traditional in practice. Constructed with wood in 1857, the Jewish temple has evolved significantly over the years, and so too has its congregation. More recently, the synagogue has pushed to create a space that’s welcoming for all. In fact, in 2004, they performed the first same-sex Jewish wedding ceremony in the state of Massachusetts.

Source: https://bostonuncovered.com/temple-ohabei-shalom/

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At the Olympics, athletes show guts, glory – and a lot of ink, including tattoos that profess their faith

July 10, 2024

This has been a wonderful summer if you follow sports: tennis championships, end-of-season tournaments and soccer’s European Championship and Copa America – all leading up to the most global event of all, the Olympics.

The Olympic Games began as a religious celebration in ancient Greece, with competitions to honor their gods. But the Olympics declined once the Roman Empire replaced...

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NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown makes pilgrimage to Mecca as he performs Umrah alongside Tacko Fall after leading the Celtics to their 18th title

July 9, 2024

 

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown performed Umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with former teammate Taco Fall. 

Brown, 27, was pictured with Fall and several men performing the act of worship in front of the Kaaba on Monday. 

Having converted to Islam in 2021, Brown honors the practices of the religion and recognized how it has transformed his life beyond basketball. 

'Ramadan is something special, It’s something that’s saved my life in a lot of ways,' the guard shared in 2022, per the Boston Herald. 
'So shoutout to all...

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American Hindu parents are finding innovative ways to pass the faith on to their kids

July 9, 2024

Every day since March, 63-year-old Ranjani Saigal has posted a 90-second Instagram reel.

“I’m not a social media person,” said Saigal, who goes by “The Hindu Grandma” on Instagram. “I didn’t know what a reel was, I didn’t know what TikTok was, any of that. Like many other grandparents, I was like, ‘Social media? I should stay away from that.'”

But Saigal, who lives in Boston, was determined to reach the next generation of Hindu children, and she knew social media is where she’d find them. Through short educational videos answering questions such as “Why do Hindus...

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Fostering Unity on Campus Isn’t Easy Right Now, But We Are Trying

July 9, 2024

Since mid-November, I have been meeting weekly for lunch with Imam Khalil Abdur-Rashid, the Muslim chaplain on our Harvard campus.

We started meeting because he wanted to gather Muslim and Jewish student leaders after a public statement from the undergraduate student association following the October 7 Hamas attacks caused great consternation and tension at Harvard and far beyond. Khalil hoped to create a space where students could acknowledge their pain and loss, prevent further division and animosity, and initiate broader campus efforts at dignified discussion and action....

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