Scottish Catholic Church warns conversion therapy ban may harm family trust
October 10, 2026
The Catholic Church in Scotland warns a conversion therapy ban may divide families and weaken trust in homes.
The Catholic Church in Scotland warns a conversion therapy ban may divide families and weaken trust in homes.
Religion and democracy are rarely separate concerns — they intersect in immigration courtrooms, military chaplain offices, and voting booths alike. This week’s reporting from Religion News Service captures that intersection across several stories that touch on faith, civic life, and the institutions Americans rely on.
When faith communities speak out about elections, democracy, and civic participation, their voices carry weight far beyond the pews. As voters across the country prepare to cast ballots, religious leaders and scholars are raising pointed questions about what threatens Americans’ ability to participate freely and fairly in the democratic process.
After 13 years leading one of Judaism’s most progressive movements, Rabbi Deborah Waxman is stepping down — and she’s leaving with a message that reaches well beyond synagogue walls. Her seven convictions for building a better future touch on community, democracy, coalition-building, and the enduring power of joy in the face of hardship.
In September, Florida couple Aaron and Clare Walenga survived a lightning strike during a date night, attributing their recovery to faith and community support.
Jim Bakker, known for “The PTL Club,” died at 86. He faced controversies, scandals, and imprisonment but remained active in ministry.
The Christian faith is deemed more relevant to youth than the church, urging churches to rethink engagement strategies.
When religious institutions fail the people they are meant to protect, the consequences ripple far beyond the courtroom — they shake the foundations of community trust and demand accountability from every level of leadership. This week, a series of stories from across the globe and right here at home remind us that transparency, justice, and honest reckoning matter deeply, whether in a church, a government, or a democratic institution.
Faith communities across America are navigating a turbulent moment — from acts of religious violence at a Hindu temple in Ohio to landmark legal battles over immigrant rights, the intersection of belief and public life has rarely felt more urgent.
When a towering figure in American civic life passes, the question of who carries the torch forward matters — not just for a family or an organization, but for the millions of ordinary voters those institutions were built to serve. Yusef Jackson, the youngest son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, is stepping into that role at a pivotal moment, leading the Rainbow Push Coalition into a midterm election season while honoring a legacy rooted in the belief that every voice deserves to be heard at the ballot box.
Church schools explore Christian values using Winnie-the-Pooh stories, marking the character’s 100th anniversary.
The UK ranks 7th globally for daily Bible App use, with rising engagement and a new UK hub planned by YouVersion.