Religion and Faith

Pope Benedict says his age and poor health are forcing him to step down at the end of this month. The 85-year-old pope made the surprising announcement today during a meeting of Vatican cardinals.
Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered state flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Immortal Four Chaplains Day.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has released thousands of pages from more files on priests accused of child molestation, just hours after a judge's order.
Thousands of anti-abortion activists gathered across the nation's capital Friday, marking the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. For many, faith was a large part of their opposition.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee says it is going broke and wants a bankruptcy judge to allow it to suspend payments to attorneys and consultants.
World premiere of 'Doubt' opera in St. Paul this weekend
After life as a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and then an Oscar-nominated film, "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley will have its world premiere as an opera this weekend in St. Paul. Shanley, who wrote the libretto for the Minnesota Opera production, said it is the most complete telling of his story about a priest accused of impropriety.
Sikh shooting victim slowly improves
Punjab Singh, an internationally known Sikh priest, was wounded Aug. 5 when a gunman opened fire at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek. Singh suffered severe injuries, but a doctor calls his progress remarkable.
As social issues drive young from church, leaders try to keep them
Young adults are drifting away from organized religion in unprecedented numbers. NPR's David Greene talks to two religious leaders about the trend and wonders what they tell young people who are disillusioned with the church.