Extreme Sports Second Nature To Pastor Who Holds ‘Ice Mile’ Swimming Record

In the extreme sport of ice swimming, the appropriately named Winters holds the world record for the oldest person to swim an ice mile, officially noted at InternationalIceSwimming.com by the International Ice Swimming Association. “I first got into ice swimming just because I’d read that it was the most extreme swimming challenge in the world,” he said, “and basically just to see if I could do it and challenge myself.”

Read More
‘Christian Values Have Proven Consistent’: Trump Remains African Churches’ Favorite Politician

While the president takes a beating on social media for his USAID cuts, African pastors are neutralizing those blaming Trump for it. “President Trump is doing what must be done for the good of his country,” said Tinashe Hungwe, a cleric in Zimbabwe. “It is high time to make our governments accountable and provide for their people not to blame the U.S.”

Read More
The Pantheon: Inside The Monument To Rome’s Legacy And Christian Transformation

Located in the heart of Rome, this architectural wonder has stood the test of time as both a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and also a site of religious transformation. Over 2,000 years later, the Pantheon stands as a bridge between two worlds: The pagan Romans and the Christianized West. Its architectural brilliance and religious significance make it one of the most fascinating landmarks and a must-visit for Catholics traveling for the Jubilee.

Read More
Ukrainians Feel Betrayed By Allies, Grateful To Church As War Enters Fourth Year

Three years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian Christians say they feel betrayed and harmed by recent actions by the U.S. But they are thankful for “constant prayers, sincere care and financial assistance,” from fellow Christians.

Read More
John Symth’s Victims And Their Families In Zimbabwe Hope For Closure

For decades, the Nyachuru family has hoped for closure, which has proved to be elusive. When the scathing Makin Report released this past November — which ultimately resulted in the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby — recommended that the Church of England also probe the atrocities committed by Smyth in Zimbabwe, the family was hopeful.

Read More
Humanity’s Common Lot Is Suffering: ‘We’re All Fluent In The Language Of Pain’

(OPINION) Suffering indeed is our common language. Regardless of your age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, politics or marital status, every person reading this column has suffered. If somehow you haven’t yet, you will. This may be the greatest impediment to believing in a loving, all-powerful God.

Read More
What ‘Conclave’ Didn’t Show You: Inside The Secret Process Of Electing A Pope

(EXPLAINER) You’ve seen the movie “Conclave” — but what does a real one look like? A papal conclave is one of the most unique and secretive processes in the world, bringing together cardinals who gather under intense pressure to choose a new pope. Unlike the film, the tradition is meant to ensure the election is conducted in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.

Read More
Pope Francis Expresses Gratitude For Closeness, Urges Prayers For Peace

The Holy See Press Office releases Pope Francis' Angelus address as he continues his recovery at Gemelli Hospital. In his message, the pope expresses gratitude for prayers and medical care while urging continued prayers for peace. Reflecting on the day's Gospel reading, he emphasized the importance of seeing others with charity and always speaking with goodness.

Read More
Illinois Landlord Found Guilty Of Murdering 6-year-old Muslim Boy

In a case that underscored deep concerns over anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, a 73-year-old Illinois landlord was convicted Friday of murder and committing a hate crime following the killing of a 6-year-old boy.

Read More
A House Divided: Clergy, Conscience And Same-Sex Marriage

(ANALYSIS) My interest was piqued by a single question in the NSRL: “Would you perform the wedding of a same-sex couple if your religious group allowed it?” The reason I like it so much is because it doesn’t ask the respondent to describe the official position of their denomination; it asks the respondent about their personal position on the issue.

Read More
😲 Surprise! What We Learned (And Didn’t) From A Big New Study on Religion In America 🔌

Some of the nation’s top religion writers offer insights on what they found surprising — and not surprising — in the Pew Research Center’s massive Religious Landscape Study.

Read More
How Do The Beliefs Of Shia Nizari Isma’ili Muslims Relate To The Aga Khan’s Work?

(ANALYSIS) Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Feb. 4, served as the religious leader of Ismaili Muslims around the world since being appointed as the 49th hereditary imam in 1957. He came to be known around the world for his enormous work on global development issues and other philanthropic work.

Read More
Why Amazon Prime’s ‘House of David’ Series May Be Even Better Than ‘The Chosen’

(REVIEW) The show impressively manages the difficult task of being a sword-and-sandals adventure fantasy that balances the needs of a faith-based and action-adventure audience. The story of David and Israel’s relationship with God is central, and the story creates a world that feels grounded, while still existing among giants and magic as relayed in the Hebrew Bible. The action is good while keeping itself PG-13, and the story is exciting while keeping it faithful to the Biblical themes.

Read More
Crossroads Podcast: Why Democrats Need To Start Having Babies

(ANALYSIS) This fertility issue has both political and religious (#DUH) implications.

Read More
On Religion: Jeff Foxworthy Believes God Has A Sense Of Humor

(ANALYSIS) While many ask if Foxworthy does "Christian comedy," he said he never considered that career path, since “if I do that, the only people I talk to are Christians.” However, he added: “I do think humor is one of the attributes of God, and I don't know that a lot of people are freed up to see God in that light.”

Read More
Cómo Se Prepara La Comunidad Sufí En Chile Para El Ramadán

A medida que se acerca el Ramadán, una comunidad sufí en Chile enfrenta los desafíos de prepararse para el ayuno en un país no musulmán. Chile, de mayoría católica, sabe poco sobre el Ramadán, el mes sagrado en el calendario lunar islámico en el que los musulmanes ayunan desde antes del amanecer hasta la puesta del sol. También se abstienen de relaciones sexuales durante el ayuno y evitan maldecir, pelear o discutir.

Read More
The Timeless Resistance Of Kabir: A Cultural Movement For Unity And Justice

Kabir’s ability to transcend religious and social boundaries is why his poetry continues to resonate today, even 500 years after his death. According to legend, when Kabir died, both Hindus and Muslims fought over his body, each wanting to claim it according to their respective religious customs. When the shroud covering his body was removed, however, only flowers were found beneath, symbolizing the unity that Kabir’s teachings continue to inspire.

Read More
How The Sufi Community In Chile Prepares For Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, a Sufi community in Chile is grappling with the challenges of preparing for fasting in a non-Muslim country. Catholic-majority Chile knows little about Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims fast just before sunrise until the setting of the sun. They also abstain from sexual relations during the fast and avoid cursing, fighting or arguing.  

Read More