Lead story
Editor's note:
From Hinduism to Catholicism to Neopaganism, plenty of religious traditions revere the idea of motherhood. In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, lots of our coverage explores the diverse ways that faiths honor caregivers’ strength and compassion.
But that doesn’t mean they always have rituals for new mothers themselves – at least, not rituals that give those new mothers an active role. Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, a scholar of gender and Judaism at Brandeis University, recalled the days after the birth of her first daughter, when her husband was called up to the Torah during a religious service and their child’s name was announced to the congregation. Meanwhile, she was encouraged to privately recite a prayer.
It felt underwhelming, Joffe writes – so, together with family members, she created her own ritual at home. Though the ceremony itself was new, the idea behind it was not. From medieval Europe to the U.S. today, Joffe traces how Jewish women have long celebrated and reinvented traditions to mark the most meaningful moments of their lives.
Religion News
Ousted Caritas chief denounces Vatican ‘power grab’
The Vatican’s main charitable organization, Caritas Internationalis, is hoping to open a new chapter after Pope Francis fired top managers over bullying complaints. But the recently ousted head is fighting back, claiming the Vatican engaged in a “brutal power grab” fueled by a “colonialist” attitude. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press
Catholic school removes name of bishop who led during priest abuse
A Catholic elementary school is changing its name to remove the name of a bishop who led the Vermont diocese during a time of “unthinkable abuse of children by priests.” By Wilson Ring/The Associated Press
Mohajir's nonprofit, HEART, was conceived as a "third space" — not the home and not the mosque — that provides muslims the safety and openness they need to discuss issues about their bodies, while honoring Muslim traditions. By Joshua Stanton and Benjamin Spratt/Religion News Service
The end of an era for the Sisters of Charity of New York
Through more than 200 years of service, the Sisters of Charity of New York have nursed Civil War casualties, joined civil rights demonstrations, cared for orphans and taught countless children. But the Catholic nuns recently decided that their aging order will no longer accept new members in the United States and will accept the “path of completion.” By Luis Andres Henao/The Associated Press
Their church is leaving the UMC fold. They found refuge in a nearby ‘Lighthouse’
The United Methodist Church is turning its attention to taking care of those who want to remain and rebuilding and fortifying its ranks. By Yonat Shimron and Emily McFarlan Miller/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
Greek epic poetry often uses mothers and wives to humanize its heroes, reminding listeners of the meaning of sacrifice. By Joel Christensen for The Conversation
Mother figures from faith traditions around the world reflect many different ways of thinking about the divine. By Alyssa Beall for The Conversation
As a society, everyone is motivated to regulate AI development. For individual companies, though, the opposite is true. By Tim Juvshik for The Conversation
Charles has been careful to reiterate his own Anglican faith, but there is little evidence to suggest he shares his mother’s devotion. By Jacob Lupfer/Religion News Service
Theosophy and its founders had an outsize impact on Americans' ideas about spirituality and Asian religions. By Marina Alexandrova for The Conversation
Monks wearing magnificent costumes and masks perform prayers before the Thangka, or traditional painting of Lord Buddha, is unveiled at a Tibetan temple during Wesak day celebration in Ipoh, Malaysia, Thursday, May 4, 2023. Wesak Day, one of the holiest days for Buddhists, offers an opportunity for all followers to come together and celebrate not only Buddha's birthday, but also his enlightenment and achievement of nirvana. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
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- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
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