Christian writer's new book reminds kids what makes them different makes them special
Christian writer Jonathan Merritt's new book My Guncle and Me tells the story of a gay uncle who helps his nephew embrace being different.
Religion
Hundreds of Muslim pilgrims died in heat-stricken Hajj
Collective prayers and struggles are core to Islam's Hajj, but heat took a toll this year: Hundreds died and thousands sought treatment for heat exhaustion.
Heat killed hundreds of Muslims in Saudi Arabia for this year's hajj pilgrimage
Deaths this year at the hajj offer a glimpse into the toll heat and humidity are taking on one of Islam's key pillars, raising questions around whether climate change is harming the pilgrimage.
Louisiana will require the 10 Commandments displayed in every public school classroom
The legislation, signed into law Wednesday by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, makes Louisiana the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.
NYC pastor is sentenced to 9 years for fraud, including taking a single mom's $90,000
"Lamor Whitehead is a con man who stole millions of dollars in a string of financial frauds,” a U.S. attorney said. In 2022, the high-profile pastor was robbed during a livestreamed service in Brooklyn.
14 pilgrims die from sunstroke as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin for Muslims
The Saudi Health Ministry said more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone and the number is likely to increase as Hajj ends.
Pope Francis is expected to give a speech on artificial intelligence at the G7 summit
NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to Christopher White of the National Catholic Reporter about why the pope is interested in AI.
Southern Baptists don't change their stance banning women pastors
The Southern Baptists Convention has wrapped with votes on banning churches with women pastors and opposing IVF reproductive practices plus revisiting reforms proposed to handle sex abuse claims.
Why G7 leaders are turning to a special guest — Pope Francis — for advice on AI
G7 leaders are meeting in Italy, where Pope Francis will join them to talk about the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Southern Baptist Convention set to vote on whether to ban female pastors
A change to the constitution of the Southern Baptist Convention could mark the end of women serving in pastoral roles.