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Editor's note:
Many of Mexico’s spiritual traditions are a distinctive fusion of Catholic beliefs and pre-Hispanic practices passed down over generations. Day of the Dead celebrations are a prime example – a way for participants to connect their deceased loved ones with contemporary society. The AP Religion Team’s María Teresa Hernández reported from the state of Oaxaca, where families take to the streets each Nov. 1 to remember how death can be as joyful as life. The celebrations differ from one town to another, but most begin at the main church, where participants and musicians sing to honor their local saints. Afterward, volunteers take part in a theatrical representation in which a special character with supernatural capabilities brings a dead person back to life.
Religion News
In wake of Ohio abortion victory, some clergy rejoice, others mourn
‘The fight is well from over,’ said Catholics for Choice Ohio field organizer Nicole Morino, who mobilized Catholics in the state who support abortion rights ahead of the vote. By Kathryn Post/Religion News Service
Head of China’s state-backed Catholic church will visit Hong Kong as ties with Vatican are strained
The leader of China’s Communist Party-sponsored version of the Catholic church will visit Hong Kong starting Nov. 14 at the invitation of the city’s pope-appointed Roman Catholic cardinal, fostering dialogue as China-Vatican relations remain strained. By By Kanis Leung/The Associated Press
The Unification Church’s Japanese branch announces plans to set aside a fund up to 10 billion yen ($67 million) to cover possible compensation for those seeking damages they say were caused by the group’s manipulative fundraising tactics. By Mari Yamaguchi/The Associated Press
The Biden administration says colleges must fight ‘alarming rise’ in antisemitism and Islamophobia
The Biden administration is warning U.S. schools and colleges that they must take immediate action to stop antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses, citing an “alarming rise” in threats and harassment. By Colin Binkley/The Associated Press
How a bucolic Tennessee suburb became a hotbed of ‘Christian Nashville-ism’
The mix of religion, power, money and influence around Nashville and its suburbs makes it fertile ground for a Southern evangelical take on Christian nationalism. By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
Recent Supreme Court decisions have signaled a shift in how the country's highest court interprets the limits on religion in schools. By Charles J. Russo for The Conversation
Many Christian and Muslim families in Gaza today were displaced following the creation of new Arab and Jewish states. Today, Palestinian Christians occupy a complicated place in this region. By Christine Shepardson for The Conversation
Like all charitable donors, church members – even those who make donations to remain in good standing with their religious institution – give up their legal right to control that money. By Samuel Brunson for The Conversation
Israelis are already vowing to renew their politics after the war. By Joshua Stanton/Religion News Service
People sign "I love you" while gathered at a vigil for the victims of Wednesday's mass shootings, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, outside the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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