Megan Sweas

Megan Sweas is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Megan Sweas

Teachers turn to mindfulness after a stressful pandemic year

By Megan Sweas — July 22, 2021
(RNS) — After a challenging year, mindfulness practice, based in Buddhism, is helping teachers maintain compassion for his students — and themselves.

Japanese Americans remember Pearl Harbor backlash and support Muslims

By Megan Sweas — December 11, 2015
LOS ANGELES (RNS) In the wake of the San Bernadino attacks and proposals to restrict Muslim immigration, some Japanese Americans are remembering the backlash against their parents and grandparents after the Pearl Harbor attack in World War II, and are expressing support for American Muslims.

Young Catholics drawn to Pope Francis. Church life and dogma? Not so much

By Megan Sweas — September 24, 2015
LOS ANGELES (RNS) A repeat pilgrim to see Pope Francis, Regina Bunye represents a fading demographic: young adult Catholics intensely involved in their faith.

Interfaith group speaks out in wake of Santa Barbara shooting spree

By Megan Sweas — May 29, 2014
LOS ANGELES (RNS) “We are here this morning to stand with the multitude of groups across the United States who are advocating for sensible, common sense laws to limit the effects of gun violence,” said Steve Wiebe, co-chair of Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative.

For Hollywood couple, “The Bible” miniseries is a ‘labor of love’

By Megan Sweas — February 27, 2013
LOS ANGELES (RNS) Roma Downey and Mark Burnett met in a nail salon in what she says was love at first sight. But the high-powered Hollywood couple say their most important project isn't her work on ''Touched by an Angel'' or his role on ''Survivor'' but their joint History Channel multi-part documentary on ``The Bible.''

Episcopalians under fire for hosting Muslim convention

By Megan Sweas — December 6, 2012

PASADENA, Calif. (RNS) Leaders of a flagship progressive Episcopal church are defending themselves against charges of sympathy for terrorists in their decision to host the annual Muslim Public Affairs Council convention. By Megan Sweas.

Sultans of Satire aims to bridge gaps with Muslims, Arabs through comedy

By Megan Sweas — October 30, 2012

LOS ANGELES (RNS) The Sultans of Satire stand-up comedy show aims to challenge stereotypes and sensitivities about Muslims and Arabs while bringing people together through a few laughs -- even though much of the material couldn't be printed by a family-friendly newspaper. By Megan Sweas.

Parents take teaching Hinduism into their own hands

By Megan Sweas — May 25, 2012

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (RNS) When Mudita Bahadur started looking for excuses not to take her children on a 45-minute trip to the Hindu temple every Sunday, she knew she had to make a change. So Bahadur and other parents decided to take their children's religious education into their own hands. By Megan Sweas.

Unable to work, Indian immigrant women turn to spiritual practices for comfort

By Megan Sweas — May 10, 2012

LOS ANGELES (RNS) Even as her modern values collided with traditional gender roles, and her visa status keeps her out of a job, Pooja Sindhwani and thousands of other immigrant Hindu wives are finding consolation in ancient spiritual practices. By Megan Sweas.

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a (Hindu) match

By Megan Sweas — April 20, 2012

LOS ANGELES (RNS) The marriage process is in flux in Indian American culture, opening the door to new manners of matchmaking. The idea that love can use a little help remains constant, even as singles' attitudes on dating change. By Megan Sweas.

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