Religious Diversity News

Showing all news articles in metro area Washington, D.C..

Beyoncé Mass replaces hymns with ‘Survivor’ and ‘Flaws and All’

Posted to Religious Diversity News on March 11, 2020

The worship service began with the sound of Beyoncé singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song also known as the “black national anthem.”

Over the next hour, a choir-backed quintet of black women singers belted out other songs in the pop star’s repertoire. Beyoncé’s music filled the air between prayers, a sermon and a Communion-like time when congregants dropped rocks labeled “homophobia,” “body shaming” and “racism” into white plastic buckets that were placed before an onstage altar.

Source: Beyoncé Mass replaces hymns with ‘Survivor’ and ‘Flaws and All’ – Religion News Service

Love of baking and prayer make religious brother a winner 

Posted to Religious Diversity News on January 15, 2020

The oven timer dings, alerting Capuchin Franciscan Brother Andrew Corriente the chocolate layer cake he is baking needs to be checked.

A quick test with a toothpick tells him the cake needs about five more minutes in the oven, more than enough time for him to soften the butter that will eventually become the buttercream icing that will top the confection.

The enticing aromas in the kitchen at Capuchin College in Washington signal that Brother Andrew is busy creating another treat for the men who call the friary home.

Source: Love of baking and prayer make religious brother a winner – Catholic Philly

At Gallaudet University, deaf culture and faith mix

Posted to Religious Diversity News on January 3, 2020

When a student stood to read from the Bible during a Catholic service at Gallaudet University earlier this year, she conveyed the sacred words in a language the group would understand: American Sign Language. The psalm — often chanted or sung — was signed as well.

And when the priest addressed the worshippers, he signed: “The Lord be with you.”

A flurry of hands signed back: “And with your spirit.”

Source: At Gallaudet University, deaf culture and faith mix | National News | journalstar.com

Resolutions introduced in US Congress to recognize Sikhs’ contributions in America

Posted to Religious Diversity News on November 1, 2019

Marking 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak, resolutions have been introduced in the US Congress to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikhs in the United States and the discrimination they have faced in the country and around the world.

One of the resolution introduced by Senators Todd Young and Ben Cardin on Thursday recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak on November 12.

Source: Resolutions introduced in US Congress to recognize Sikhs’ contributions in America – Times of India

Mike Pompeo’s State Department approves Christian faith group for employees

Posted to Religious Diversity News on November 1, 2019

All year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made news for efforts that critics worry are crossing church-state separation lines. In July, he launched a Commission on Unalienable Rights, created by religious conservatives who have bemoaned growing LGBTQ equality. Then in October, a private Pompeo speech, “Being a Christian Leader,” was advertised across the top of the State Department homepage.

Less noticed was the creation of the State Department’s first-ever faith-based affinity group.

Source: Mike Pompeo’s State Department approves Christian faith group for employees – The Washington Post

In D.C., a call for restaurants to give fasting Muslims an alternative to IHOP in Ramadan

Posted to Religious Diversity News on April 29, 2019

When it comes time for Muslims to break their Ramadan fast at sundown during Islam’s holy month, they traditionally start with a few dried dates. For their last full meal before a full day of fasting, many American Muslim families down a plate of pancakes at IHOP. It’s not because Muslims like pancakes more than other Americans. It’s because the 24-hour pancake house chain is often the only local restaurant open at suhoor, the meal eaten just before the ritual fast begins at daybreak. A new initiative cal

Source: In D.C., a call for restaurants to give fasting Muslims an alternative to IHOP in Ramadan – Religion News Service