Three US states now recognize Diwali as a holiday

Haitian immigrants revived a church. Now the pews are empty.

(RNS) — With the Supreme Court set to rule on whether Haitians will lose Temporary Protected Status, fear is emptying church pews. At St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the Haitian immigrants who brought life to the congregation are gone.

From 'feigele' to free: What does it mean to be LGBTQ+ and Orthodox?

(RNS) — Two identities seem to be in a wrestling match — but both can win.

A Catholic schism over women deacons? Many opponents have already left.

(RNS) — Those who reject papal authority are already out the door. The women who have given up hoping for change are on the way out, too.

Is Bethany’s break with LGBTQ+ people a bellwether for foster care?

(RNS) — LGBTQ+ advocates worry the change will mean fewer beds for foster youth.

Police charge a third suspect in a Melbourne synagogue arson allegedly directed by Iran

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together federal and state police with a spy agency, charged the man, who has not been named, with offenses including arson.