At prayer vigils for Charlie Kirk, supporters are called to political and spiritual fight

A Native naming ceremony welcomes newly discovered spider into community of the land

PORTLAND, Ore.  (RNS and NPR) — After its discovery by a local scientist, a new spider species received a ceremonial welcome by the Yakama Nation. 

Why boycotting Israel at grocery co-ops hurts Jews, Palestinians and the food movement

(RNS) — I wish those spending time and effort on co-op boycott votes would instead direct their energies in ways that will lead to actual constructive outcomes for the people they are ostensibly interested in helping.

Amid anti-migrant attacks, South African clergy urge dialogue and open doors

(RNS) — The violence has resulted in at least 12 deaths, widespread destruction of foreign-owned businesses and homes and thousands of migrants fleeing South Africa or seeking shelter in community centers, mosques, churches and police stations.

A viral photo of Pope Leo XIV and a Barcelona boy sparked an emotional search for his family

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The pope shares moments with individuals all the time, especially on trips abroad, but there was something about this particular instance that stirred emotion.

As UFOs go mainstream, the jury is out on what the existence of alien life might mean for religion

LOS ANGELES (AP) — What was once considered fringe or conspiratorial has in recent months popped up everywhere from the White House to the Catholic Church, as public fascination with unidentified anomalous phenomena — or UAPs, as the government calls them — becomes more mainstream.