All articles tagged with #faith leaders
An Israeli shell struck Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, killing three and injuring ten, prompting condemnation from international faith leaders and a visit from top Christian figures. Israel called the strike accidental, and the incident is under review, amid growing global calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Faith leaders in San Diego, including clergy and a local imam, peacefully supported immigrants facing deportation, which appeared to influence a reduction in detentions at the courthouse, highlighting the impact of community activism and religious solidarity on immigration proceedings.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, faith leaders emphasize the importance of understanding and unity, drawing inspiration from Dr. King's message. They highlight the need for God's perspective on relationships and advocate for listening, forgiving, and uniting well in everyday life. They stress that unity requires sacrifice, intentionality, humility, honesty, and kindness, and emphasize that only the love of God can change hearts and bring about lasting unity in marriages, families, neighborhoods, and the nation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has gained 50 new endorsements from pastors and faith leaders in Iowa, bringing his total to over 150, ahead of the pivotal Iowa caucus. The religious backing is crucial in the state, where evangelical support is significant. DeSantis, aiming to defeat GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, has emphasized his support from religious leaders and launched a Faith and Freedom Coalition to promote his message of "God over Government" and defend religious freedom. Despite Trump's lead in the polls, DeSantis remains determined to win the caucus, urging voters to turn out and highlighting his unwavering faith and defense of religious liberty.
Faith and education leaders in Tennessee are denouncing plans for an After School Satan Club at a local elementary school, but will allow the organization hosting the club to meet in accordance with the law. The Satanic Temple plans to hold the club at Chimneyrock Elementary School, offering activities that promote a scientific and rationalistic worldview. The faith community and educators expressed support for religious organizations partnering with the district and emphasized that students would need signed permission slips to attend. The school district stated that it would rent out the space to the nonprofit organization, citing its policy and commitment to upholding board policy, state laws, and the Constitution.
Clergy burnout and deteriorating mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression are affecting religious leaders at an alarming rate. The unique stressors of being constantly on call to share other people's trauma, coupled with the expectation of being omnipresent, make being a pastor challenging. Many clergy feel a stigma in seeking mental health care, fearing it could jeopardize their congregations' respect and even their job. To address this issue, a free one-day online "church mental health summit" has been organized, offering coping strategies and expert talks. Strategies include self-care, therapy, and aligning with one's faith mission. Developing strategies to tackle mental health distress is crucial, as research suggests that a third of leaders from Abrahamic faiths suffer from traumatic stress, a rate even higher than in the military.
King Charles' coronation will include representatives of various faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Bahai, and Zoroastrian communities. The ceremony falls on Shabbat, but the Chief Rabbi has been invited to sleep at Clarence House to avoid using electricity. Jewish tailoring company Kashket & Partners will supply some of the clothing worn by the king and soldiers, and the anointing oil used in the ceremony has its roots in the anointing of high priests in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
Businessman Willie Wilson, along with dozens of Black pastors, endorsed Paul Vallas for mayor of Chicago, shoring up his support on the South and West sides before the April 4 runoff. Wilson addressed the element of race in his decision to support Vallas over rival Brandon Johnson, saying that they have been on the same wavelength. Wilson's endorsement of Vallas, along with the endorsement of the pastors, could play a role in persuading Black voters to cross racial lines to support Vallas.