Franklin Graham tours devastation in Israel, commits to helping rebuild
Samaritan’s Purse is among the Christian charities that have donated millions of dollars of aid and sent scores of volunteers to Israel.
By Yonat ShimronChristian leaders Claiborne, Barber, Budde call for Gaza cease-fire
They join other voices on the left who are critical of Biden’s support of Israel.
By Jack JenkinsChurch Militant founder Michael Voris resigns
Michael Voris was asked to resign for ‘breaching the Church Militant morality clause,’ according to a news release.
By Jack JenkinsChurch of England synod moves forward with a test of prayers for same-sex couples
The vote follows the House of Bishops’ agreement last month to approve prayers as the basis for stand-alone services for gay couples.
By Catherine PepinsterIn new political document, Catholic bishops emphasize abortion over climate change
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops convened this week for an annual gathering that was, overall, more subdued than in recent years.
By Jack JenkinsCatholic priests are warning about Argentina’s Trump. Will it stop him?
Javier Milei narrowly leads polls ahead of Sunday’s presidential election. A grass-roots campaign is underway to persuade Argentines not to vote for him.
By Samantha Schmidt and David FelibaFired prelate Strickland appears near — but not at — bishops gathering
‘I’m a bishop without a diocese, which is a strange place to be. But that’s where I am,’ Strickland, the former bishop of Tyler, Tex., told reporters Wednesday.
By Jack JenkinsIsrael expands military bereavement policy to same-sex partners
Lawmakers voted to expand the Families of Fallen Soldiers Law to include common-law partners of LGBTQ members of the Israel Defense Forces.
By Michele ChabinVatican dismisses conservative Texas bishop who criticized Pope Francis
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Tex., has vocally opposed Pope Francis on theological issues, saying an “evil and false message” had infiltrated the Catholic Church.
By Tobi Raji and Michelle BoorsteinBlack Christian leaders call for cease-fire in Gaza
Criticism of the Biden administration’s response to the crisis comes amid polls showing Biden’s approval rating dipped disproportionately among Black voters.
By Jack JenkinsVatican says transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents
The guidance follows recent moves by Pope Francis that appear aimed at increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in the church.
By Anthony Faiola and Kelsey AblesWhy a bucolic Tennessee suburb is a hotbed of ‘Christian Nashville-ism’
The mix of religion, power, money and influence around Nashville and its suburbs makes it fertile ground for a Southern evangelical take on Christian nationalism.
By Bob SmietanaEvangelical Christians mobilize to assist Israelis touched by war
Theological ties come with fundraising and other support for the nation amid the conflict.
By Michele ChabinChaos erupts over Southern Baptist legal filing in Louisville abuse lawsuit
A friend-of-the-court filing has led to questions of whether the Southern Baptist Convention has changed its ways in dealing with abuse.
By Bob SmietanaHaredi Jews, exempt from Israel’s military service mandate, sign up to fight
“This isn’t a drill. This is an actual war,” one ultra-Orthodox Israeli said. “Anyone who isn’t studying Torah full time should contribute.”
By Michele ChabinFBI director: U.S. must be vigilant on threats amid Israel-Gaza war
Many types of extremists, from the far left to the far right, exhibit strains of antisemitism, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray told lawmakers.
By Devlin Barrett, Perry Stein and Nick MiroffVatican synod ends with divide over women deacons and LGBTQ+
The most contentious topic at the month-long synod was how and whether to welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.
By Anthony Faiola and Stefano PitrelliMike Johnson suggests his election as House speaker ordained by God
Johnson, who peppered his first speech as speaker with religious references, has a history of challenging interpretations of the separation of church and state.
By Jack JenkinsVatican summit tackles women’s ordination with a nod from Pope Francis
The Synod on Synodality has wrestled with the question of female Catholic clergy, but the final decision will be up to the pope.
By Claire GiangraveHistoric church sheltering civilians struck in deadly Gaza City blast
The Church of St. Porphyrius, Gaza’s oldest active church, was sheltering hundreds of Muslims and Christians displaced by the war, according to religious officials.
By Miriam Berger, Evan Hill and Kelsey Ables