Religion News Service Archives

After two drown in Tanzania, Christians re-examine safety of river baptisms

In Africa, river baptism is popular, particularly among Pentecostal and charismatic churches. Drowning during baptism is not uncommon in Africa, and Tanzanian police detained a pastor in connection with the deaths of two people who drowned while being baptized. Officials have warned against using the rivers for such activities unless safety is confirmed.

Rohingya Muslims tell of abuses during army crackdown

In November, Myanmar’s army swept through villages where stateless Rohingya Muslims live in the area of Maungdaw. U.N. investigators who interviewed refugees said allegations of gang rape, torture, arson and killings by security forces in the operation were likely crimes against humanity.

Research firm says Northeast cities rate most secular

One of the things the Catholic hierarchy struggles with is the large number of people who have left the Church, not necessarily for another faith, but for nothing. These ‘post-Christians’ are growing in what used to be strongholds of the Church in the U.S. like Boston.

Summer reading: Hot, hot, hot edition
- Book Review, Religion News Service
- July 16, 2017
Summer reading doesn’t have to be all about mysteries and romances. It can include a healthy dose of religiously themed books that are interesting enough to take to the beach or on that camping trip. Here are a few to peruse and consider.
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Pope Francis praised him for providing for his parents; now Texas may want to deport them
- Church in the US, Religion News Service
- July 15, 2017
A new state law — set to take effect September 1 if it survives legal challenges by major Texas cities — would allow a police officer to inquire about a person’s immigration status in a routine traffic stop. Now, 21-year-old Ricardo Ortiz — like numerous other Hispanics in Texas — worries about how the Lone Star State’s immigration enforcement crackdown may make his family a target.
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Muslim refugees to U.S. are declining as Christians overtake them
- Church in the US, Religion News Service
- July 13, 2017
Out of all the refugees who arrived between President Trump’s inauguration and June 30, about half were Christians and 38 percent were Muslims, according to data released Wednesday (July 12). But when monthly figures are viewed, the data (originally from the U.S. State Department) reveals a steady decline for Muslims, from about 50 percent of refugees in February to 31 percent in June.
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