Religion and Faith

U.S. bishops officially ban gender-affirming care at Catholic hospitals
The bishops' decision formalizes a yearslong process for the U.S. church to address transgender health care. They also approved a special message on immigration, expressing concern over enforcement and conditions in detention centers.
U.S. Catholic bishops selects Oklahoma archbishop to lead them during Trump’s second term
U.S. Catholic bishops have elected Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley as their new president, choosing a conservative culture warrior to lead during President Donald Trump’s second term. The vote Tuesday serves as a barometer for the bishops’ priorities.
Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron in running to lead U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops
Robert Barron, the somewhat controversial bishop of the Winona-Rochester diocese, is in the running this week to become president of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops. The 65-year old prelate is well known for his social media empire, and has close ties to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. But some theologians and church watchers say the fiery conservative would be more of a dividing force in the American church, not the uniter who is needed now.
A greener way to go? More people are rethinking what happens to their body after death
As people look for environmentally friendly ways to live, some are asking if death can be sustainable, too. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the growing interest in natural burials, water-based cremation and other green funeral practices. 
At Annunciation Church, lessons in grief, resiliency and the spiritual lives of children
After the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School that killed two children in August, the church’s new pastor found himself navigating the grief of his congregation and the spiritual questions of children around life, death and God.
Minnesota minister rediscovers his faith among people in need
When the Rev. Devlyn Brooks started a new job, it challenged his faith and his view of religion. That helped transform him, his ministry and the success of a Moorhead-based emergency shelter and food pantry.
Vatican will return dozens of artifacts to Indigenous groups in Canada as gesture of reconciliation
The Vatican is expected to soon announce that it will return a few dozen artifacts to Indigenous communities in Canada as part of its reckoning with the Catholic Church’s troubled role in helping suppress Indigenous culture in the Americas, officials said Wednesday.
Pope Leo says faith and love for migrants are connected
In his first major document as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo urges nations and believers to care for the poorest in society.