Easter
From goddesses and rabbits to theology and ‘Superstar’: 4 essential reads on Easter’s surprisingly complicated history
By Molly Jackson — April 6, 2023
(The Conversation) — Like Halloween and Christmas, today’s Easter traditions are a blend of Christian and non-Christian influences.
Our Churchiest Episode Ever + Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
By Jonathan Woodward — April 6, 2023
Roxy and Katelyn are joined by the Most. Reverend Michael Curry to talk about the Holy Week liturgy, leading amid deep difference, and Jesus...lots of Jesus.
Rare medieval Easter cipher is up for grabs this Holy Week
By Kathryn Post — April 5, 2023
(RNS) — When decoded, the 15th-century cipher helped calculate the date for Easter.
Should Christians have seders?
By Jeffrey Salkin — April 4, 2023
(RNS) — Yes, it's a thing. And no, it should not be. And yes, the larger story is complicated.
Rebounding Pope Francis marks Palm Sunday in Vatican square
By Frances D'Emilio — April 2, 2023
"I thank you for your participation and prayers, that in the last days you intensified,'' the pontiff told the crowd in St. Peter's Square, a reference to the many wishes he received for a quick recovery during his hospitalization.
Lent is here – remind me what it’s all about? 5 essential reads
By Molly Jackson — February 23, 2023
(The Conversation) — A roundup of The Conversation’s articles about this holy Christian season and its history.
Despite 2022’s cluster of religious holidays, multifaith understanding slow to evolve
By Camille Daniels — May 26, 2022
(RNS) — Unlike race, which has become an urgent topic for Americans to discuss and educate themselves (and others) about, faith remains a relatively siloed practice.
Orthodox Easter a ‘mixed kind of joy’ at Ukrainian church in Bucharest
By Alexandra Radu — April 26, 2022
BUCHAREST, Romania (RNS) — ‘We are celebrating the resurrection of Christ, but at the same time we are praying to God to end the war.’
Interfaith Trolley offers inspiration and a whirlwind tour of religion in America
By Bob Smietana — April 26, 2022
(RNS) — A convergence of major religious holidays led the way to a day of interfaith fellowship and education.
Holy days converging in April spark interfaith celebrations
By Luis Andres Henao — April 18, 2022
(AP) — In addition to Passover, Easter and Ramadan, holy days occurring in April this year include the Sikhs' and Hindus' Vaisakhi, the Jains' Mahavir Jayanti, the Baha’i festival of Ridvan, and the Theravada Buddhist New Year.
Pope Francis showcases his vision for peace at Good Friday’s Via Crucis
By Claire Giangravé — April 15, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On the day commemorating the steps of Jesus’ execution, Pope Francis focused on the need for forgiveness in overcoming the logic of war.
With high hopes for holidays, three faiths take stock of COVID-19 losses and gains
By Adelle M. Banks, Emily McFarlan Miller, Alejandra Molina, Kathryn Post, and Yonat Shimron — April 15, 2022
(RNS) — Even with the convergence of Easter, Passover and Ramadan this year, many Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders are uncertain whether they can count on a post-COVID-19 resurgence or what it will look like.
Palestinians and Israeli police clash at major holy site
By Joseph Krauss — April 15, 2022
JERUSALEM (AP) — Clashes at the site last year helped spark an 11-day war with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Christians hold many views on Jesus’ resurrection – a theologian explains the differing views among Baptists
By Jason Oliver Evans — April 15, 2022
(The Conversation) — Christians have engaged in passionate debates over the meaning of the resurrection. Baptists may be distinct in that they believe an external religious authority cannot enforce views on such matters.
The tinder box of Jerusalem and the tyranny of the religious calendar
By Daoud Kuttab — April 8, 2022
(RNS) — The holiday crunch doesn't bode well for a population already strained by repression and attacks.