Lead story
Editor's note:
At the University of Pittsburgh, a student group affiliated with the charismatic, evangelical denomination Assemblies of God has grown to hundreds of students in three years, hosting 300 students at a recent evening worship event. The Ohio State football team has drawn national attention for baptizing dozens of students at public “Invitation to Jesus” events. And in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claims of nationwide Christian revival are escalating. But while recent data from Barna Group, an evangelical Christian polling firm, has been widely cited to support that argument, some researchers say the claims are overblown. “We’re not seeing anything at the scale that would even begin to point me in the direction of a sustained, significant, substantive revival in America right now,” religious trends researcher Ryan Burge told RNS. Still, on the ground, there seems to be a shift in how Gen Z is engaging with religion.
Religion News
Following meteoric success – and some criticism – 'Nobody Wants This' evolves in Season 2
When Netflix’s 'Nobody Wants This' premiered last year, the series exploded in popularity, while also incurring some criticism. It's time for Season Two, chronicling the relationship between a hip but devout rabbi and an outspoken agnostic woman. By Krysta Fauria/The Associated Press
Faith groups reject new Trump security grant rules over ICE, DEI
Earlier this year, DHS unveiled new conditions for grants faith groups use to protect their communities, including requiring recipients to cooperate with immigration enforcement and refrain from promoting DEI and certain boycotts. By Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service
More than 30 years after 16-year-old Guide Nyachuru died at a church camp in Zimbabwe, his family is seeking justice in a case that has reignited scrutiny of the Church of England’s handling of abuse. By Farai Mutsaka/The Associated Press
Pope meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance
Pope Leo XIV met for the first time with an organization of clergy abuse survivors and advocates, who said he agreed to maintain a permanent dialogue as they press for a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in the Catholic Church. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press
Shutdown a ‘double whammy’ for federal workers after earlier cuts, say clergy offering aid
'When the government shuts down in the Maryland, Virginia, DC area, that's like Ford Motor Company shutting down in Detroit,' Bishop Derek Grier said. 'It's a huge deal, and it's impacting a lot of people.' By Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
Two hundred years ago, the Erie Canal was often derided as a ‘folly.’ Yet the waterway went on to transform the American frontier. By Matthew Smith for The Conversation
Interfaith alliances should be struck between people who see the differences in their faiths, not the similarities in their politics. By Brad Hirschfield/Religion News Service
The English cleric and economist's name is used to malign critics of progress. But historical context sheds a different light on Malthus' ideas, a scholar argues. By Roy Scranton for The Conversation
As Japan's national sport, sumo has shaped perceptions of its culture since the mid-1800s. By Jessamyn R. Abel for The Conversation
Hindu tourists light oil lamps as they celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, near the clock tower in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Did a friend or colleague forward this to you? Click here to subscribe.
- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
- The Associated Press Newsletter Hub
- Religion News Service newsletter sign-up page
- The Conversation U.S.'s daily and weekly newsletters
