Growing ‘goon’ violence against churches in Kenya worries clergy

How women pastors became public enemy No. 1 in the SBC

(RNS) — Southern Baptists have long believed that only men can be pastors. But for decades, the denomination took no action to expel churches where women pastors served. Then, in the middle of an abuse controversy, it became a denominational crisis.

A growing movement wants to regulate the wellness industry

(RNS) — Seek Safely is a nonprofit organization that aims to add guardrails to the wellness and self-help industry by focusing on three main areas: education, advocacy and legislation.

As reports of anti-Christian incidents in Israel increase, advocates press police to act

JERUSALEM (RNS) — ‘For three years, the police saw me as a nudnikit (pest),’ said Yisca Harani, founder of the Religious Freedom Data Center, which tracks and aims to prevent incidents targeting Christians in Israel. ‘After the incident with the nun, I feel they are taking me a little more seriously.’

What does it mean to belong in America? RNS asks 5 faith leaders and thinkers

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, debates over national identity, religion and immigration have intensified. Was America founded as a Christian nation? A pluralistic democracy? A nation of immigrants? And who gets to define what this means?  In 2026, these questions are not abstractions. Immigrant and faith communities have been on the front...

How enslaved African Muslims resisted bondage through their faith and writing

(The Conversation) — As the US approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, two scholars revisit the rich legacy of American Muslims.