The last churches in Gaza City have decided to stay and care for refugees despite ongoing Israeli military actions and threats to destroy Gaza City, emphasizing their commitment to protect vulnerable civilians amid escalating conflict. The churches condemned Israel's plans to take control of Gaza City and called for an end to the violence, highlighting the suffering of civilians and the importance of respecting their rights and lives.
The IRS announced that churches and houses of worship can now endorse political candidates to their congregations, creating an exemption from the longstanding ban on political campaigning by tax-exempt nonprofits, following a court case involving Texas churches and Christian broadcasters.
The Boston Task Force on Reparations is calling on "White churches" to commit to providing $15 billion in reparations to the Black community, citing the city's wealth being built on slavery. The task force, established through a 2022 Boston City Council ordinance, is seeking cash payments, investment in new financial institutions, and addressing racial disparities in education and anti-crime measures. Religious leaders are being urged to support reparations, with specific calls for cash payments and assistance in creating affordable housing and financial institutions in Black Boston. Rev. Kevin Peterson and other activists are demanding monetary compensation for the historical harms caused by slavery and anti-Black institutional oppression.
Philadelphia police have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with a series of vandalism incidents targeting two churches and several businesses. The individual was spotted at SEPTA's Frankford Transportation Center and is being questioned. The vandalism spree included damage to stained glass windows at historic churches, with estimated repair costs of $20,000 and $15,000. Cleanup is underway at affected properties, and police are seeking information from the public.
Philadelphia police have a person of interest in custody in connection with a series of vandalism incidents targeting two churches and several businesses. The individual was spotted at SEPTA's Frankford Transportation Center and taken in for questioning. The vandalism spree included damage to stained glass windows at the National shrine in Northern Liberties and Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as other businesses. Cleanup is underway, and police are seeking information from the public.
As the migrant crisis in Chicago escalates, questions arise about the role of faith groups in providing assistance. Many religious organizations own unused or underutilized properties that could potentially be used to shelter new arrivals. While some congregations have been involved in individual efforts to support migrants, the crisis may require a more coordinated response. The Archdiocese of Chicago has closed and consolidated parishes in recent years, but its real estate office lists available properties for sale or lease. The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is also exploring options. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has been working with the state and city to secure housing for migrants, but immediate help for new arrivals remains a challenge. The lack of response from the city and the archdiocese has frustrated volunteers and advocates, who believe that faith groups could play a crucial role in addressing the crisis.
Churches, convents, and chapels across Europe are increasingly being repurposed as faith and church attendance have shriveled over the past half-century. In Flanders, Belgium, which has some of the greatest cathedrals on the continent, every one of the 300 towns has about six churches, and often not enough faithful to fill a single one. Many of these once-sacred structures are being repurposed for anything from clothes shops and climbing walls to nightclubs, but some are being handed over to other Christian communities.
Churches, convents, and chapels across Europe are increasingly being repurposed due to declining faith and church attendance. In Flanders, Belgium, where some of the greatest cathedrals on the continent are located, every town has about six churches, but often not enough faithful to fill a single one. Many of these structures are being turned into anything from clothes shops and climbing walls to nightclubs, breweries, and luxury hotels. While some see this as a way to preserve the architectural value of these buildings, others believe that churches should remain places for contemplation and reflection.
Two churches in Staten Island will be used to house asylum seekers as part of a new program announced by NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The program is a two-year partnership with New York Disaster Interfaith Services and is expected to provide shelter for 1,000 single men at 50 houses of worship. The city will be spending about $125 a night to house each asylum seeker. The initiative is the latest strategy to get the new arrivals housed, but a similar effort to house homeless people has been used in the five boroughs for decades.
President Zelensky of Ukraine has accused Russia of destroying more than 60 museums and galleries, as well as hundreds of churches in various regions of Ukraine. He also reported that a church was destroyed by Russian aircraft in the village of Kizomys, Bilozerka community, Kherson region.
