Religion News Service

Presbyterians have long had ties to the oil industry, as have many other faith groups in the United States. Leaders see this year's vote as a sign that addressing climate change is gaining momentum.

The crisp images of the cosmos delivered by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope this week serve as "food for the human spirit," said the head of the Vatican Observatory.

Susan Hendershot: By prioritizing the desires of polluters over the safety of the people, SCOTUS is showing a blatant disregard not only for those it supposedly serves, but also a disregard for God's beautiful creation.

Pope Francis' June 29 apostolic letter, Desiderio Desideravi, will be of little interest to the vast majority of Catholics who do not oppose the reforms, but need to be drawn deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist. 

Thomas Reese: Now that the bishops and other anti-abortion Catholics have won their fight against Roe, will they embrace a more consistent ethic of life? Will they live up to the extensive social justice agenda they espouse on paper?

Phyllis Zagano: The controversy will not end soon, but if the bishops address "invincible ignorance," there may be fewer Catholic politicians supporting laws allowing abortion.

From welcoming transgender women at the Vatican to promoting LGBTQ outreach around the world, some advocates say Pope Francis has created a space for inclusion without fear.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the government can proceed with the transfer of Oak Flat to a private venture that's planning an underground copper mine. The Apache Stronghold coalition said they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Thomas Reese: The pope has a lot of unfinished business, and I don't see him walking away from it. Some of his reforms are just now getting started.

Burial, cremation and alkaline hydrolysis are the only death care choices currently available in California. The California Catholic Conference said the human composting process "reduces the human body to simply a disposable commodity."

Archbishop Roque Paloschi of Porto Velho said the pope reassured him during a visit at the Vatican that despite the many challenges the pope faces, resigning "does not cross his mind."

Thomas Reese: The only advice I can give to graduates today is, don’t follow our example. If the next generation opens their hearts to love and compassion, they will be the greatest generation of this century.

Catholic lawmakers in Colorado who have been asked by their bishops to voluntarily refrain from Communion say the church leaders are "weaponizing" the Eucharist to punish the legislators for their votes for an abortion rights bill.

Thomas Reese: Hardly anyone in the country knows about the strong and comprehensive position on gun control taken by the U.S. Catholic bishops.

Former President Donald Trump seemed to frame himself as leading an existential fight against liberal foes, defending America from an attack on the Christian faith.

Pope Francis' flurry of activity in August, seemingly setting the stage for his successor, has fueled rumors of an impending resignation.

Catholic bishops from Colorado asked Catholic lawmakers who voted in favor of abortion rights legislation earlier this year to "voluntarily refrain from Holy Communion," according to an open letter signed June 6 and provided to Religion News Service.

Thomas Reese: The U.S. Catholic bishops are killing off Catholic News Service, one of their most successful national programs. God bless all the CNS journalists who over the years dedicated their lives to the church. They did wonderful work they can be proud of. It is sad to see them go. 

Eco-kosher and eco-halal devotees are less concerned with strict religious approval than faith-based food justice. These ideas are gaining ground as more religious communities see the concept of food justice — the right to eat fresh, nutritious, affordable, culturally appropriate and locally grown food — as part of their faith's mission

Thomas Reese: The pope has made the College of Cardinals more Asian and African — and more likely to elect a successor who will follow his policies.