religion

Some See Extreme 'Anti-Theism' As Motive In N.C. Killings

12:49pm February 15, 2015

by Tom Gjelten

The suspect in the shooting deaths of three Muslim students in North Carolina is a self-described anti-theist, what some some experts see as a new extremism developing among some atheists.

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Damaged glass is seen at the site of a shooting in Copenhagen on Saturday. Shots were fired near a meeting in the Danish capital that was attended by controversial Swedish artist Lars Vilks.

Attack On Copenhagen Cafe Apparently Aimed At Cartoonist

11:20pm February 14, 2015

by Scott Neuman

An attack on a free-speech seminar attended by artist Lars Vilks left one dead and three injured. Later, a shooting near a Copenhagen synagogue injured three; it's unclear if the events are related.

Pope Francis leads the consistory at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In addition to 15 new electors, Pope Francis named five new cardinals who are over the age of 80 and, therefore, ineligible to vote in a conclave.

With New Cardinals, Pope Aims To Widen Horizons Of Church Leadership

10:54am February 14, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

In a formal ceremony, 20 prelates became princes of the Catholic Church. The new cardinals mark a shift in the church under Pope Francis toward poor nations — and away from Europe.

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Flowers sit outside the apartment building where three Muslim students were killed Tuesday afternoon in Chapel Hill N.C.

Obama Calls UNC Murders 'Brutal And Outrageous'

7:04pm February 13, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The president spoke a day after the Justice Department announced an investigation into the killings of three Muslim university students as a possible hate crime.

Pope Encounters Resistance On Some Reforms

6:29pm February 13, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

At the Vatican this week, the pope's G9 — a committee of nine cardinals — is working on how to overhaul Vatican governance.

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Pope Francis kisses a baby as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Wednesday.

Couples Who Choose Not To Have Children Are 'Selfish,' Pope Says

2:05pm February 12, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Francis spoke of a "greedy generation" that is opting not to procreate. His remarks come less than two weeks after he said Catholics do not need to breed "like rabbits."

'Visit My Mosque' Campaign Builds Bridges In Britain

2:24pm February 11, 2015

by Vicki Barker

More than 20 mosques across Britain recently opened their doors for a day to non-Muslims. Imams and worshipers served tea and cakes, and answered visitors' questions about the Muslim faith.

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Sissako works on set with Timbuktu actors Mehdi A.G. Mohamed (left) and Layla Walet Mohamed.

Filmmaker Takes Stand Against Extremism In Oscar-Nominated 'Timbuktu'

8:02pm February 09, 2015

by Bilal Qureshi

Abderrahmane Sissako's film was inspired by the seizure of the Malian city by Islamist fighters in 2012. It has won international accolades with its lyrical beauty and critique of religious extremism.

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Papal Group Considers Sanctions On Bishops Who Cover Up Abuse

9:07am February 09, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

A commission advising Pope Francis on how to tackle clerical sex abuse of minors has completed its first full meeting at the Vatican. The commission has been criticized for its slow start.

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Editor Picks Religions For The First Norton Anthology of World Religions

8:37pm February 08, 2015

The anthology includes ancient and contemporary interpretations of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Daoism. Editor Jack Miles discusses primary texts, extremism and death.

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