Lead story

Ideological rifts among U.S. bishops are in the spotlight ahead of momentous Vatican meeting

Editor's note:

Next week, the Vatican will open an unprecedented gathering of Catholic clergy and laypeople from around the world. The synod is intended to be a collegial, collaborative event, though the agenda includes divisive issues such as the role of women in the church and the inclusion of LGBTQ Catholics. As the AP’s religion news director, David Crary, illustrates, the role of the United States in the synod shows how elusive consensus might be. In effect, there are two high-level U.S. delegations widely viewed as ideological rivals – six clerics appointed by Pope Francis who support his aspirations for a more inclusive, welcoming church; five clerics chosen by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who reflect a more conservative outlook and more skepticism of Francis’ priorities. 

Religion News

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Sex abuse allegations against a deceased cardinal add to the German church’s troubles    

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Soccer star Paulinho becomes torchbearer in Brazil for his sometimes-persecuted Afro-Brazilian faith

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Commentary and Analysis

The story of Ohio's ancient Native complex and its long journey for recognition as a World Heritage site

An Indigenous sacred site, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks has served as a military barracks, a fairground and, more recently, a golf course. By Stephen Warren for The Conversation

Nazi Germany had admirers among American religious leaders – and white supremacy fueled their support

Two social scientists analyzed periodicals from US religious leaders in 1935 to determine what factors influenced groups' sympathy, ambivalence or outrage about Hitler and Nazi Germany. By Meghan Garrity and Melissa J. Wilde for The Conversation

On Sukkot, the Jewish ‘Festival of Booths,’ each sukkah is as unique as the person who builds it

Like many Jewish practices, the harvest festival of Sukkot largely takes place at home − meaning families can incorporate many meaningful traditions. By Samira Mehta for The Conversation

From exorcist to monster: How Hollywood has recast Catholicism

The latest movie in ‘The Conjuring’ franchise reflects horror’s loss of faith in faith. By Tyler Huckabee/Religion News Service

Photos of the Week: Yom Kippur; Brazilian religious freedom march

Ultra-Orthodox Jews select chickens to be used in the Kaparot ritual in Jerusalem, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. Observant Jews believe the ritual transfers one's sins from the past year into the chicken and is performed before the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year which starts at sundown Sunday. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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