Lead story
Editor's note:
For Lent this year, some Catholic women are giving up church work. From outreach committees to choirs, the strike aims to highlight the expansive, often unrecognized efforts of women, who make up 80% of lay ecclesial ministers.
“We’re calling the women of the Catholic Church to join together in striking from sexism by withholding labor time and financial resources from the church during Lent,” said Kate McElwee of the Women's Ordination Conference, which organized the strike.
At the recent Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis declared the question of women deacons "not yet mature,” disappointing many advocates.
"You kind of wonder, why am I going to all these meetings and giving all this time when my voice isn't going to be heard," said Kelly Hamilton, who volunteers with several ministries. Hamilton plans to protest in front of the Denver cathedral but is conflicted about withholding parish work for fear it “would hurt other people,” she told RNS’s Claire Giangravé, especially the women she works alongside.
Religion News
West Texans, Mennonites at center of measles outbreak choose medical freedom over vaccine mandates
The virus is spreading among Gaines County’s Mennonite community, where government mandates are not trusted. But another outbreak is also spreading, and that’s mistrust in vaccines and public health. By Devi Shastri of The Associated Press and Carlos Nogueras Ramos of Texas Tribune
Syrian refugee family that Pope Francis brought to Rome prays for him as they build new life
While they observe Ramadan, they’re praying for the hospitalized pope, whom they refer to as a gift from heaven – and a leader who showed the world migrants aren’t to be feared. By Giovanna Dell'Orto/The Associated Press
Hindus must not succumb to the taboo of marijuana, says Legalize Nepal founder Hemant Shahi, but instead remember their faith's place in global cannabis history. By Richa Karmarkar/Religion News Service
These nuns advocated for immigrant rights for 40 years — now in their 90s, they’re not slowing down
Faced with the latest moves by the Trump administration, these Catholic sisters plan to continue aiding migrants as long as God gives them the strength. By Jessie Wardarski/The Associated Press
Why are Southern Baptists still arguing about women preachers?
For the past 25 years, Southern Baptists have officially banned women pastors. That hasn’t stopped churches from having women serve in that role. By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
The pope leads the Catholic Church, but some 2,000 other people work at the Holy See and city-state. By Daniel Speed Thompson for The Conversation
Today’s clergy need to answer the Rev. Martin Luther King’s call six decades ago to step up, organize and take action. By Timothy Adkins-Jones and Serene Jones/Religion News Service
The German peasants were among the first to try to unlock the revolutionary potential of Reformation teachings to fight social and economic injustice. By Michael Bruening
Marvel movies like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Infinity War’ are the starting point for this ethics seminar. By James Calvin Davis for The Conversation
As the sun sets, Palestinians sit at a large table surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings as they gather for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of Ramadan in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
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