Higher Ground
What James Madison can teach Americans about religious freedom today
The early correspondence of James Madison - who went on to become the fourth U.S president and played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights - wrestles with the tensions of religion and public life. It can be instructive for Americans today.
Europe on alert after blasts near a Belgian synagogue and outside U.S. Embassy in Oslo
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said Monday that an explosion near a synagogue in the eastern city of Liege overnight was "a despicable antisemitic act" and that federal prosecutors were investigating, as several countries in Europe tighten security due to the war in the Middle East.
Faith leaders push for access to ICE detention centers during Lent and Ramadan
The long-held practice of faith leaders ministering to detained migrants has become far more contentious - and consequential - as detention numbers soar across the United States during the federal government's immigration crackdown.
Pope names veteran Vatican diplomat as ambassador to the U.S. to manage relations with Trump
Pope Leo XIV on Saturday named a veteran Vatican diplomat as his new ambassador to the United States to manage one of the Holy See's most important bilateral relationships at a crucial time, with ties strained over the Trump administration's war in Iran and immigration crackdown.
Trump right to try to stop Iran, the world’s biggest terrorist organization
Americans are weary of "forever wars," the seemingly never-ending incursions that require the sacrifice of resources, attention and U.S. soldiers' lives.
Man pleads guilty to bringing explosives to a D.C. church marking the start of a Supreme Court term
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that he brought dozens of homemade explosive devices to a Washington, D.C., church that was preparing for an annual Mass celebrating the start of the Supreme Court's term, court records show.
For survivors, Rhode Island clergy abuse report brings vindication and renewed demands
The sound of the school nurse's office door opening. Light reflecting off a stained-glass window. Tearful outbursts and fear of getting on the school bus.
Former presidents set to speak during final public tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Three former Democratic presidents are set to speak at a Chicago church as mourners pay a final public tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Starseeds, government plots and an alien mantis: Inside New Age spirituality’s new age
At the 24th annual Conscious Life Expo, which convened more than 5,000 New Age spiritual seekers from Feb. 20-23, Solaris' experience wasn't fringe.
Democrats embrace antisemitism to win elections
Rather than support President Trump and America in defeating the largest state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years, Democrats see a political win by exploiting anti-Israel sentiment sown by our enemies.
Shock, dismay, as Family Federation churches seized by liquidators across Japan
Persons of faith were stunned Wednesday when they arrived at places of worship to find them surrounded by police and liquidators, whose presence made clear that their religious organization -- which had committed no crime -- was being dismantled.
Free speech group blasts N.C. law school for removing student’s flyers showing Charlie Kirk
A free speech advocacy group is accusing a North Carolina law school of political bias for banning anti-violence posters from certain areas of campus depicting slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
U.S. Homeland Security investigates whether Bovino made disparaging comments about Jewish faith
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has opened an internal investigation into whether Gregory Bovino, the one-time architect of President Donald Trump's large-scale immigration crackdown, made disparaging comments about the Jewish faith of the U.S. attorney for Minnesota.
‘Christ is king’: Ancient proclamation of faith’s core tenet can morph into something political
On its own, the phrase "Christ is king" sums up a core tenet of the Christian faith, that Jesus is the divine ruler of the universe. Catholics and many Protestants celebrate a Christ the King Sunday each year.
Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s best-known landmarks, to charge tourists for admission
Cologne Cathedral, a famous German landmark and popular tourist draw, will start charging an admission fee to visitors as church officials struggle with rising maintenance costs, according to an announcement on Thursday.
‘Dangerous precedent’ for religious freedom: Critics assail Tokyo court’s Unification Church ruling
Prominent U.S. political figures and global religious-freedom advocates assailed an extraordinary ruling from a Tokyo court Wednesday that upheld the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, warning that the decision will erode Japan's standing as a champion of religious liberty.
Christians face brutal year in China; don’t let Beijing bury repression of religious freedom
In December, hundreds of armed police swept through a village near Wenzhou, China, reportedly tearing down crosses and arresting more than 100 members of unregistered Protestant churches.
Claims of ‘rediscovered’ Michelangelos unsettle Renaissance experts
An independent researcher claimed on Wednesday that a marble bust of Christ in a Roman church is by Michelangelo, the latest purported attribution to the Renaissance genius who is one of the most imitated artists in the world.
More states expand universal school choice under Trump administration
More states are expanding programs letting parents spend public money on private schools, buoyed by the Trump administration's support.
