Lead story
Editor's note:
There’s long been debate over the intentions of America’s founders regarding the role of religion. That’s been turbocharged with the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, as Peter Smith of the AP religion team reports.
Some Christian activists are redoubling claims that the U.S. had a Christian founding. But scholars note that there’s no established religion in the Constitution and some of the most influential founders were not Christian.
But most of them also weren’t deists or anti-religious skeptics. The founders believed in prayer and that God was helping the Revolutionary cause. They thought religion was good for creating moral citizens. Scholars say they created a sort of free market in which American religion has thrived to this day.
Religion News
Muslim women are suing jails and police over hijab removal at booking. And winning.
‘It’s not like taking off someone’s hat. It’s like taking off their pants or removing their shirt,’ one expert witness told RNS. By Ulaa Kuziez/Religion News Service
Pope will inaugurate Barcelona's Sagrada Familia tower and meet with migrants in June trip to Spain
Pope Leo XIV will inaugurate the soaring central tower of the famed basilica when he visits Spain next month – a weeklong trip that will also take him to a migrant reception center in the Canary Islands. By Nicole Winfield, Suman Naishadham and Renata Brito/The Associated Press
Advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics expressed surprise to see the Vatican publishing the testimonies of married gay men. By Aleja Hertzler-McCain/Religion News Service
Does frequent worship lead to better mental health? Often, but not always, experts say
There is a long-running discussion about the role that religion can play in enhancing personal well-being and lowering the risk of mental health problems. By David Crary/The Associated Press
Trump critic who fled El Salvador as a teen named West Virginia’s Catholic bishop
The next bishop for West Virginia Catholics will be an El Salvador-born advocate for immigrants who has opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. By John Raby and Giovanna Dell’Orto/The Associated Press
Commentary and Analysis
Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in 1908 to honor women’s collective work for peace. Today, the celebration is largely detached from its political origins. By Marie-Claire Beaulieu for The Conversation
When faith communities teach colorblindness, they are teaching their congregants to be silent in the face of devastating decisions like this latest Supreme Court ruling. By Jemar Tisby/Religion News Service
Israel's chief rabbis do not permit women's ordination. But passing the exam does allow women to apply for certain jobs, and recognizes their high level of education in rabbinic law. By Michal Raucher for The Conversation
Pope Leo is following the teachings of Francis on human dignity and applying them to ongoing international crises, argues a scholar of global Catholicism. By Mathew Schmalz for The Conversation
A humanoid robot, center, and Buddhist monks walk during an ordination ceremony at Jogye Temple in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
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