The United Methodist Church has made a series of decisions to become more welcoming of LGBTQ people. The moves have also driven away many conservative Methodists.

The United Methodist Church, one of the largest U.S. Protestant denominations, voted to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy as well as prohibitions on its ministers from officiating same-sex weddings.

The Vatican has issued a doctrine on human dignity, and what it calls grave violations — including gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy

An exhibit in Tel Aviv is memorializing the victims of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks at the Nova music festival. Nearly 400 young men and women were killed or kidnapped at the festival that day.

Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas this weekend. About 250 people are sheltering in the Greek Orthodox church in Gaza, and say they're too afraid to do anything but pray for peace.

Israeli leaders are beginning to talk about the possibility of opening a new front in the north in Lebanon — while the Israeli offensive in Gaza sees a rising death toll.

There are about 200,000 Palestinian Christians who live in and around Bethlehem, the Galilee region and Gaza. Usually crowds pack into Manger Square for celebrations but this year the mood is subdued.

Churches in the Holy Land have canceled big Christmas celebrations in favor of quieter, somber worship services. The move is meant to draw attention to the violence in Gaza and the West Bank.

Churches in Bethlehem are observing Christmas this year without the usual celebrations, eschewing giant trees, sparkling lights and festive carols.

Holy Family Parish in northern Gaza says two women sheltering there were killed by an Israeli sniper. The two churches in Gaza have been under siege since the beginning of the war.

Catholic priests may now bless same-sex couples, according to a declaration used by the Vatican and approved by Pope Francis. The document says these blessings are not to be considered marriage.

Some churches are extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas. (This story first aired on Morning Edition on November 20, 2023.)

Some churches are arching their backs against earlier and earlier celebrations of Christmas by extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.

The Vatican has removed from office an outspoken, conservative bishop in Texas who's been openly critical of Pope Francis's reforms in the Catholic Church.

Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who has been openly opposed to Pope Francis' reforms, was asked to resign, which he refused to do. Francis later made the decision to remove the bishop.

The statement came in response to a series of questions from bishops seeking guidance on administering the sacraments.

A 69-year-old Jewish man has died as a result of injuries that occurred during a pro-Israel rally near Los Angeles over the weekend. Authorities have not ruled it out as a hate crime.

Worry over a backlash from expressing support or sympathy for either side in the Israel-Hamas crisis is leaving some Muslim and Jewish friends feeling abandoned.

Worry over a backlash from expressing support or sympathy for either side in the Israel-Hamas crisis is leaving some Muslim and Jewish friends feeling abandoned.