Lead story
Editor's note:
A resurgence in antisemitism in the U.S. amid Israel’s war in Gaza has led a number of states and the U.S. House of Representatives to pass resolutions this month adopting a new, controversial definition of antisemitism. Critics of the definition, including many Jewish American voices, claim it is intended to silence criticism of Israel. The definition, put forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, does not mention Israel but offers several examples of antisemitism that do, such as “targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.” As the Senate considers codifying the definition into federal law, some 1,200 Jewish university professors became the latest to reject it in a statement delivered to congressional leaders Tuesday, reports RNS’s Yonat Shimron. “Far from combating antisemitism, this dynamic promises to amplify the real threats Jewish Americans already face,” according to their statement.
Religion News
Young South Koreans are increasingly drawn to Buddhism via social media-savvy influencers
South Korean young people are increasingly drawn to Buddhism due to social media-savvy influencers, including a monk who went viral on Instagram and a comedian who also DJs dressed like a Buddhist monk. By Juwon Park/The Associated Press
Union Theological Seminary votes to divest from companies profiting from Gaza war
Union, a private, ecumenical school that serves as Columbia University’s faculty of theology but maintains a separate endowment, is the first U.S. institute of higher education known to divest from the war in Gaza. By Fiona Murphy/Religion News Service
Employees of the Vatican Museums have filed a class-action complaint with the Vatican administration demanding better seniority, leave and overtime benefits in an unusual, public challenge to Pope Francis’ governance. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press
United Methodists scrap their anti-gay bans. A woman who defied them seeks reinstatement as pastor
Twenty years ago, Beth Stroud was defrocked from her beloved job as a United Methodist pastor because she acknowledged living in a committed relationship with another woman. Now, with the UMC’s anti-gay bans repealed, she is seeking reinstatement. By David Crary, Peter Smith and Holly Meyer/The Associated Press
Harvard Pluralism Project’s Diana Eck retires after decades of research, promoting dialogue
Eck said she hopes the Pluralism Project, which has been a model for affiliates and organizations across the country, will continue to foster dialogue and engagement. By Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
Research suggests that a clear understanding of what is right and wrong contributes to engaging in less risky behavior. By James A. Shepperd for The Conversation
This month marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as Jewish American Heritage Month. By Samira Mehta for The Conversation
Images of Christ often represented prevailing cultural beliefs, allowing onlookers to connect in a deep and meaningful way. By Virginia Raguin for The Conversation
Reports of its demise are premature. By Mark Silk/Religion News Service
Buddhists monks clean Buddha statues ahead of the upcoming birthday of Buddha on May 15, at the Jogye temple in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
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