No images? Click here
Lead story
Editor's note:
The United Methodist Church this week is concluding its first legislative conference since 2019, and it has been a historic occasion. By huge margins, delegates have voted to dismantle long-standing anti-LGBTQ policies. In a 692-41 vote, delegates repealed their church’s ban on LGBTQ clergy. Also approved was a measure that forbids regional administrators from penalizing clergy for either performing a same-sex wedding or for refraining from performing one. The lopsided votes contrast sharply with the decades of controversy around these issues. Past General Conferences of the UMC had steadily reinforced the bans amid debate and protests. But many of the conservatives who had previously upheld the bans have left the denomination in recent years, and this General Conference has moved in a solidly progressive direction. Comprehensive coverage of the events was provided by Peter Smith of AP’s Religion Team and Yonat Shimron of Religion News Service.
Religion News
How unconditional support for Israel became a cornerstone of Jewish American identity
A new book shows how those who dissented were effectively sidelined. By Yonat Shimron/Religion News Service
Lebanese Christian leader says Hezbollah’s fighting with Israel has harmed Lebanon
The leader of a main Christian political party in Lebanon blasted the Shiite militant group Hezbollah for opening a front with Israel to back up its ally Hamas, saying it has harmed Lebanon without making a dent in Israel’s crushing offensive in the Gaza Strip. By Bassem Mroue and Abby Sewall/The Associated Press
Throughout its history, the Black Church in America has – for the most part – been a patriarchal institution, with men making up a vast majority of its ranks of clergy. These days, increasing numbers of Black women are attending seminary, and some carve out high-profile leadership roles. But obstacles remain. By Darren Sands/The Associated Press
'A step back in time': America's Catholic church sees an immense shift toward the old ways
Across the U.S., the Catholic church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the modernizing tide are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change. By Tim Sullivan/The Associated Press
As many HBCUs thrive, faith-based Black schools fight financial and accreditation woes
Several faith-based historically Black colleges and universities have faced governance and financial concerns, even as other HBCUs are seeing increases in enrollment and financial donations. By Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
We need to be the kind of faith and public leaders we want our students to become. By Serene Jones/Religion News Service
In religious traditions, patience is more than waiting, or even more than enduring a hardship. But what does patience look like? And when should we not exercise patience? By Liz Bucar for The Conversation
The Book of Job and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' both make fun of preachy know-it-alls and resist conventions of their genres. By Ryan M. Armstrong for The Conversation
Coral has been incorporated into traditions, art and even religion in communities around the world. By Michele Currie Navakas for The Conversation
Ultra-Orthodox Jews burn leavened items in final preparation for the Passover holiday in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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
