This Week in Religion - What Shiite mourning rituals reveal

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Lead story

Shiite grief over attacks on Iran’s sacred cities has deep historical roots

Editor's note:

As U.S. and Israeli forces hit Iran, many Shiite Muslims are not only mourning the death of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but also fearing damage to holy cities and shrines.

Cities such as Qom, Isfahan and Mashhad – which have come under attack – are home to some of the most important sacred sites. In Isfahan, the 17th-century Jame Abbasi Mosque sustained damage during airstrikes. Qom has drawn particular attention due to large-scale attacks, including strikes on its Shokouhiyeh Industrial Zone. The full impact on holy sites remains unclear. Regardless of material damage, Shiites are deploring the assaults.

Scholar of Shiite piety Mary Thurlkill explains that in Shiite Islam, “grief is not only personal but collective.” In Iran’s Twelver Shiite identity, this shared sorrow – rooted in the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad – lies at the heart of Shiite devotion. The grief is expressed through rituals and pilgrimages to sacred sites. Qom’s shrine of Fatima Masuma, the daughter of a revered imam in a line of spiritual successors to Muhammad, draws millions of pilgrims annually; nearby Jamkaran Mosque is associated with al-Mahdi, believed to be the "hidden imam" in Twelver Shiism.

This sacred landscape binds Shiites not only with each other but also with the imams – revered leaders from the prophet’s lineage – explaining the powerful reactions seen in Shiite communities across the globe, Thurlkill writes.

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Religion News

Chile’s new President José Antonio Kast brings openly religious views to a changing country

Chile’s new president, José Antonio Kast, joins a growing list of conservative Latin American leaders. Kast is openly religious – a practicing Catholic who belongs to an international community devoted to the Virgin Mary. By María Teresa Hernández and Nayara Batschke/The Associated Press

A Hindu-inspired eco-village reimagines sustainable, spiritual life in North Carolina

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In wrangling dark matter, some scientists find inspiration in the Torah, Krishna and Christ

Dark matter and dark energy are mysteries that have confounded scientists for decades, though they comprise 95% of the universe's mass. Several astronomers and physicists who have researched these topics describe faith as inspiring, not conflicting, with their scientific inquiry. By Deepa Bharath/The Associated Press

With Spielberg's help, a 101-year-old Auschwitz survivor has become a mighty warrior against hate

Ginette Kolinka has devoted the later part of her long life to sharing firsthand insight of hatred and inhumanity. By John Leicester/The Associated Press

Looksmaxxing, Catholicism and the new discipline of the body

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Commentary and Analysis

On Passover, some Sephardic Jews revisit not only the story of their ancestors, but also their Ladino language

For some Sephardic Jews today, holidays provide a rare opportunity to hear the now-endangered Judeo-Spanish language. By Bryan Kirschen for The Conversation

In the Easter story, women are the first to proclaim the resurrection – but churches today are still divided over female preachers

Women’s preaching is controversial in some Christian denominations – but key to the biblical story of Jesus’ resurrection. By Mary Foskett for The Conversation

Faith leaders' activism shows organized religion can still be a force for good

Before the deportation crackdown began, ministers of all faiths had been supporting social justice movements, not leading them. In recent months, they have rediscovered their historic roles. By Andre Henry/Religion News Service

American politicians talk about persecuted Christians abroad – but here’s what happens when those Christians migrate to the US

An anthropologist of religion shows how Coptic Christians navigate two competing realities: the narrative of Christian persecution abroad and the suspicion surrounding migrants in the contemporary US. By Candace Lukasik for The Conversation

 

Photos of the Week: New archbishop of Canterbury, Palm Sunday and more

Sarah Mullally, left, arrives for the Enthronement Ceremony installing her as archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury, England, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – the first woman ever to lead the Church of England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

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RNS Morning Report - Israel's new death penalty law sparks outcry from liberal Jewish groups

Until Monday, capital punishment for murder had been outlawed in Israel since 1954. The death penalty law that passed the Israeli parliament this week has been roundly denounced among liberal Jewish movements in Israel and abroad, for unfairly targeting Palestinians and for being a betrayal of Jewish values. “This legislation represents a sharp and dangerous departure from Israel’s long-standing reluctance to employ capital punishment,” said the Union for Reform Judaism. In the U.S., T’ruah, a rabbinic-led human rights organization, called the law “racist and discriminatory.” “The majority of American Jews oppose the death penalty, which contravenes Jewish teachings,” Rabbi Jill Jacobs, T’ruah’s CEO, told RNS correspondent David I. Klein. “Its adoption by this extremist Israeli government is deeply wrong.” Read Klein’s full report below. Top Stories Israel’s new death penalty law sparks outcry from liberal Jewish groups (RNS) — Rabbinical groups said the law flies in the face of Jewish tradition and violates international principles of due process and equal protection under the law. LGBTQ faith leaders say Supreme Court’s conversion therapy ruling will harm youth (RNS) — The court sided with an evangelical Christian therapist who argued Colorado’s conversion therapy ban restricts her right to free speech. Texas megachurch pastor Robert Morris is free after 6 months in an Oklahoma jail for child sex abuse OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Robert Preston Morris, 64, was released just after midnight, said Osage County Sheriff’s Capt. Matt Clark. Monthslong meditation on impermanence at a remote California Zen retreat meets a real-life fire (AP) — Dozens of other structures were spared thanks to timely action on the part of monks and staff members at the monastery who are no strangers to dealing with fires — whether they are sparked by faulty wiring or by the gusting winds in the wild. UK’s Bible Society on the defensive after retracting report on revival LONDON (RNS) — The society shifted blame for the report to YouGov and insisted its general thesis — that there is a resurgence in Christianity in Britain — still stands. Opinion This Passover, we gather in bomb shelters (RNS) — For millions of Israelis, the Jewish festival of freedom arrives this year inside bomb shelters. One aid worker finds new relevance in the Passover story.   Shiite grief over attacks on Iran’s sacred cities has deep historical roots (The Conversation) — In Shiite Islam, grief is not only personal but collective − expressed through rituals, pilgrimage and devotion to saints. ICYMI Judge rejects Johnson Amendment settlement, keeping ban on pastors endorsing candidates (RNS) — The ruling caps a decades-long battle to overturn a ban on houses of worship endorsing candidates. On the eve of Passover, most US Jews oppose the war in Iran (RNS) — The poll suggests a growing rift between American Jews and Israeli Jews who have thus far supported the Iran war. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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April in Montreat

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter April in Montreat. Please find updates from our president, highlights on programmatic offerings, and ways that you can engage with Montreat below. Specifically, in this issue we are talking about the impact of Summer Staff, The Art of Transitional Ministry, and spring community hikes.

The Impact of Summer Staff As we begin preparations for our summer season, we’ve been thinking a lot about the impact of our Summer Staff. These young adults spend six to ten weeks working in Montreat each summer supporting some of our largest ministries and integrating themselves into the Montreat community. We certainly could not do it without them! Last summer, Montreat’s marketing assistant Kayden Foyles wrote a series of articles which granted readers special insight into the roles Summer Staff play in supporting and engaging with our community. As we look back on that work, we would like to invite you to read about Kayden’s project as it was featured in our 2025 annual report. Find out more using the link below! READ MORE FROM OUR ANNUAL REPORT PROGRAMS & EVENTS Our first youth conference of the summer is just over two months away! If you are interested in attending, don’t wait to sign up. This year, we will be exploring the theme “Wonder and Wander” by creating a space where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced. Register now. Registration is now open for the Art of Transitional Ministry, a continuing education event for those leading congregations through periods of change. Learn the skills and gain the understanding necessary to navigate the waters of transition in a way that allows a church and its leaders to be open to new possibilities, go deeper, and thrive. Learn more. We are excited to announce that the annual Kirkin' O' the Tartan service will take place in Anderson Auditorium on Sunday, May 24, at 11:00 am, immediately followed by lunch in Assembly Inn. Tickets for this special meal can now be purchased online. Visit our website to learn more! We share updates related to offerings for youth & young adults, adult conferences, and retreats in a series of topical email newsletters each month. Sign up to receive one, two, or all three directly in your inbox by clicking here. EXPERIENCE MONTREAT A new retail experience is coming soon to Moore Center! The Good Steward, an extension of The Montreat Store and a mission of the Montreat Conference Center, will open in June 2026. The Good Steward will offer curated goods from local and global artisans, emphasizing conscious shopping and the human stories behind each item. You can learn more about this new endeavor here. Local community members are invited to join us in the new space on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00-4:00 pm for a special open house. We hope to see you there! Last month, we officially dedicated the Katherine McKay Belk Dining Room in Assembly Inn. Throughout her life, Kat’s philanthropic gifts, leadership, and support made a significant impact on the mission of Montreat Conference Center. Specifically, she played an instrumental role in the 2014 renovation of Assembly Inn. Read more about Kat’s legacy on our website. We will be offerings several more community hikes this month!  If you would like to attend, please sign up on our website by clicking here. A $10 donation to the Wilderness Operations and Maintenance Fund is suggested for each person who attends. Each hike will depart from the Montreat Nature Center at 9:00 am. Join us for one or several of the following: April 7: Lower Piney Trail April 14: Rainbow Road April 21: Big Piney Trail April 28: Lookout Loop John Philip Newell and Cami Twilling will join us this fall for a new retreat offered in partnership with Earth & Soul. The Great Search 1 will address the deep spiritual yearnings of humanity at this moment in time amidst immense transitions in the world and religious exile for many. Learn more about the retreat and what you can expect by clicking here. We share updates for locals, news about the Montreat Wilderness, and information pertaining to spiritual exploration in three monthly email newsletters specific to each topic. Select which ones you would like to receive in your inbox by clicking here. Montreat Happens When You Give! By cultivating space for renewal, connection, and community, Montreat has a unique ability to change lives. Generosity from those who find peace in this valley supports these life changing experiences. Before April 30th, become a Montreat Patron, by making a gift to the Montreat Fund, and support the programs, facilities, and recreational experiences you hold close to your heart. SUPPORT MONTREAT We Hope to See You Soon! Take a moment to visit our website and learn more about the inspiring gatherings, retreats, and conferences we have planned. Whether you're returning to Montreat or visiting us for the first time, there's something meaningful waiting. VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS Montreat Conference Center, a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, is a national conference center located in Western North Carolina with roots in the PC(USA). Learn more at www.montreat.org.

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