Tag: Christianity
Pope Benedict XVI set to resign at month's end, citing decline in strength
In a move that surprised many church watchers, the spiritual leader of the more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday that he would step down as pope on Feb. 28. A new leader is expected by the end of March....
Archaeologists in Israel discover synagogue dating from time of Jesus
In a bid to construct a hotel and church for a Christian priest, archaeologists in Israel may have made a major discovery. As they dug, they came across the remains of a synagogue, one thousands of years old with potential implications for Judaism and Christianity....
Russia introduces mandatory religion class for all 4th graders
Russian fourth graders will learn about one of six religions under a new program implemented in that country this school year. Under the new program, lobbied for by the Russian Orthodox Church, parents can choose from six religion or belief systems to learn about....
Popularity of 'white weddings' surges in Japan, leads to shortage of officiants
Many Japanese women look forward to having a Western-style, Christian wedding ceremony -- because they like the pageantry of it all. But as they become more popular, there aren't enough caucasian ministers, deemed essential to the true "white wedding," to conduct them all....
Church of England decides women can't be bishops
In a controversial vote in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, members of the Church of England's General Synod voted to prohibit women from serving as bishops within their church. The related U.S. Episcopal Church already allows women as bishops....
Tourists flock to see botched Jesus painting restoration in Spain
Earlier this year, a well-meaning parishioner took it on herself to try and restore a 19th-century fresco of Jesus Christ at a church in northeastern Spain. But she botched the painting restoration and created an image so comical, now known as the Monkey Boy of Borja, tourists are flocking....
Monks, scientists partner to reveal hidden messages beneath centuries-old texts
In the Sinai Peninsula, there's a Christian monastery with a history dating back centuries. In their library, they have well-preserved ancient texts that scientists are now hoping contain more than, literally, meets the eye. The two groups are working together to find out....
Russian Orthodox Church stakes out assertive role on social issues
Russia's Orthodox Church is trying to become more relevant in Russian society. Though some 70 percent of Russians say they believe in the Orthodox Church, less than one percent go to church even once a month....
Germans angered over Catholic Church's decision to deny sacraments for church tax scofflaws
Germany has long required people who are members of a church or a synagogue to pay a tax that supports the church and its operations. But as more Catholics decline to pay, the church is telling them if they don't pay, they won't be allowed to receive church sacraments....
Divinity scholar says piece of ancient papyrus includes reference to 'Jesus' wife'
A tiny scrap of paper, no bigger than a business card, has caused a lot of commotion. According to one expert, the paper may be the first ancient scripture to refer to Jesus as having a wife....
