Lead story
Editor's note:
Muslims from around the world have converged on the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Over several days, people are immersing themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago. They also have to contend with excess heat and other earthly factors, like a ban on children under the age of 12 and a crackdown on unauthorized entry. Last year’s pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died. This year, Saudi authorities are advising caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary.
Religion News
2 more attacks on Jews heighten concerns about security in and around US synagogues
For the leaders of U.S. Jewish institutions, the recent attacks in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., are stark reminders of their responsibility to remain vigilant despite years of hardening their security measures. By Luis Andres Henao and Mariam Fam/The Associated Press
After years of crisis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary finds its path
Years of turmoil had left Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a tarnished reputation and a financial crisis. David Dockery, a low-key new leader, helped right the ship. By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service
On the rural islands of Nagasaki prefecture in Japan, a handful of believers practice a version of Christianity that has direct links to a time of samurai, shoguns and martyred missionaries. By Foster Klug, Mari Yamaguchi and Mayuko Ono/The Associated Press
Being a devout Catholic at a secular college can be challenging. Some call it a blessing
During the just-ended academic year, a group of young Catholics attended Mass every weekday at noon at the Princeton University Chapel. They saw it as a sacred refuge amid a largely secular environment at the Ivy League school in New Jersey. By Luis Andres Henao/The Associated Press
After a decade of controversy, clergy psychedelic study is published
'Johns Hopkins and NYU schools of medicine carried out the study, and that in itself speaks to the powerful presence psychedelics have in popular consciousness,' said scholar Gary Laderman. By Kathryn Post/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
The country’s long-running conflict continues to impact life in many rural areas, which also face threats from illegal mining and other extractive industries. By Tania Lizarazo for The Conversation
The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has Hajj-bound Americans nervous and occasionally outright scared about everything from their visa status to their social media histories. By Dilshad Ali/Religion News Service
Empathy affords us a more accurate understanding of others' experiences and emotions. Just like pain, it can be hard to bear – but that's also the source of its strength. By Colin Marshall and Emad H. Atiq for The Conversation
Peruvians − including non-Catholics, some members of the LGBTQ+ community and others who are marginalized − also revere the Virgen de la Puerta. By Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch for The Conversation
A man with his face painted during a traditional guardian spirit ceremony called He Neak Ta in Phum Boeung village, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
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