religion

Suande, whose uncle died the previous month, lays a cloth over his uncle's coffin on the eve of the funeral.

PHOTOS: The Dead Live With Their Loved Ones On This Indonesian Island

12:14pm September 29, 2019

The Toraja people of Indonesia keep the preserved bodies of their deceased relatives at home for years. They're saving up for a big funeral. But there's a deeper reason for the custom.

Religion

The Pope Opposes Adjectives

7:48am September 28, 2019

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Joshua McElwee of the National Catholic Reporter about advice Pope Francis gave to his communications team this week.

Religion

High Holidays Are An Opportunity For Rabbis To Reach A Bigger Audience

6:16am September 27, 2019

by Tom Gjelten

The Jewish high holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, are a time of reflection. Rabbis across the U.S. will use their sermons as an opportunity to address issues facing their community.

Queue Listen Now

Religion

Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Are Up In NYC's Neighborhoods Of Orthodox Jews

12:27pm September 21, 2019

New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss talks to NPR's Scott Simon about the surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes in New York, mainly against the city's Orthodox Jews.

Queue Listen Now

Religion

Air Conditioner Is Stolen Shortly After Ohio Church Installs It

6:59am September 20, 2019

The Akron Alliance Fellowship church paid $3,500 for the new unit. The sign outside the church reads: "Whoever stole our AC unit - Keep it. It's hot where you're going."

Queue Listen Now

Church Groups Registering Voters Must Heed IRS Laws

6:59am September 20, 2019

by Tom Gjelten

Faith groups are running their own voter registration efforts with an eye on the next election. A challenge arises in how to follow IRS rules that prohibit churches from taking political positions.

Queue Listen Now

Religion

Cokie Roberts Was Devoted To Her Roman Catholic Faith

6:23am September 18, 2019

by Don Gonyea

In addition to her work as a journalist and author, Cokie Roberts was well known as a prominent Catholic. It was part of her public persona, and she didn't hesitate to criticize the church she loved.

Queue Listen Now

What's The Deal With Cults?

3:27pm September 17, 2019

It's easier to join a cult than you think. A lot easier.

Amish families go down a road in Lancaster, Pa., one on foot and the other by horse-drawn carriage. The high cost of farmland is driving some Amish people to move to where land is more affordable.

National

As Amish Leave Farming For Other Work, Some Leave Their Homestead

12:58pm September 17, 2019

by Rachel McDevitt

Lancaster, Pa., is changing as only about a third of the fast-growing religious group there still farm. Most Amish heads of household work in businesses and construction these days.

Queue Listen Now

Eric Schmitt speaks to reporters after being appointed as Missouri's attorney general by Gov. Mike Parson Nov. 18, 2018, at the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo.

Missouri AG Refers 12 Ex-Priests For Prosecution Of Suspected Sexual Abuse

11:05pm September 13, 2019

by Richard Gonzales

An investigation that looked back to 1945 identified 163 cases of abuse. However, many of the alleged offenders are now dead or the statute of limitations on their alleged crimes has passed.