Saturday, September 30, 2023

This Week in Religion - Rift among US bishops hangs over Vatican synod

Lead story

Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy gestures while speaking.

Editor's note:

Next week, the Vatican will open an unprecedented gathering of Catholic clergy and laypeople from around the world. The synod is intended to be a collegial, collaborative event, though the agenda includes divisive issues such as the role of women in the church and the inclusion of LGBTQ Catholics. As the AP’s religion news director, David Crary, illustrates, the role of the United States in the synod shows how elusive consensus might be. In effect, there are two high-level U.S. delegations widely viewed as ideological rivals – six clerics appointed by Pope Francis who support his aspirations for a more inclusive, welcoming church; five clerics chosen by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who reflect a more conservative outlook and more skepticism of Francis’ priorities. 

A portrait of Holly Meyer, Religion News Editor at The Associated Press.
 

Religion News

National Cathedral windows shift from themes of Confederacy to racial justice

 'There is a lot of work yet to be done to confront systemic racism,' said cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith. By Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service

The largest Hindu temple on American soil will soon open its doors

 On Oct. 8, the BAPS Akshardham Temple will be open in a limited capacity following 12 years of labor from over 12,000 volunteers. By Richa Karmarkar/Religion News Service

The shocking accusation this week by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India may have been behind the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia has raised several complex questions about the nature of Sikh activism in the North American diaspora. By Deepa Bharath/The Associated Press 

Men oversee the removal of a statue.

Sex abuse allegations against a deceased cardinal add to the German church’s troubles    

A scandal centering on sexual abuse allegations against a long-deceased cardinal has created a “very difficult situation” for the troubled Catholic Church in Germany, a top bishop said after a statue of the late cleric was removed from its perch outside Essen Cathedral. By Geir Moulson/The Associated Press

Soccer star Paulinho becomes torchbearer in Brazil for his sometimes-persecuted Afro-Brazilian faith

Brazilian soccer player Paulinho, at age 23, has become one of the country's most popular followers of Candomblé, a religion of African origin. For centuries, Candomblé faithful have suffered from prejudice and racism, being less than 1% of Brazil's overwhelmingly Christian population, but Paulinho hopes he can help combat religious intolerance. By Mauricio Savarese/The Associated Press

 

Commentary and Analysis

An Indigenous sacred site, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks has served as a military barracks, a fairground and, more recently, a golf course. By Stephen Warren for The Conversation

Two social scientists analyzed periodicals from US religious leaders in 1935 to determine what factors influenced groups' sympathy, ambivalence or outrage about Hitler and Nazi Germany. By Meghan Garrity and Melissa J. Wilde for The Conversation

Like many Jewish practices, the harvest festival of Sukkot largely takes place at home − meaning families can incorporate many meaningful traditions. By Samira Mehta for The Conversation

The latest movie in ‘The Conjuring’ franchise reflects horror’s loss of faith in faith. By Tyler Huckabee/Religion News Service

 
An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man hands a chicken to a young child.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews select chickens to be used in the Kaparot ritual in Jerusalem, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. Observant Jews believe the ritual transfers one's sins from the past year into the chicken and is performed before the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year which starts at sundown Sunday. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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