Tornadoes, heavy rains rip across central, southern US

Reuters Tornadoes ripped across a wide swath of the central and southern United States on Wednesday, destroying homes and businesses and bringing down power lines and trees. The National Weather Service said there had been at least 15 reports of tornadoes in at least four states by late Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of […]
US judge temporarily blocks Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship

Seattle, US Reuters A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing an executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional”. Seattle-based US District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order at the urging of four Democratic-led states – Washington, […]
Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in US state of Illinois raising funds to repair arson damage

United States RNS The Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois, regarded as the most visited monument of its kind in the United States, is asking for donations after its outdoor chapel was set on fire early on Tuesday. Several statues, art pieces and the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ, also […]
Chicago cardinal defends compensation plan, urges info on abusers after Illinois abuse report

Rome, Italy AP The Archbishop of Chicago urged the Attorney General of the US state of Illinois on Thursday to provide information about newly uncovered cases of clergy sexual abuse that were included in a statewide investigative report, saying he would gladly add the names on his list of credibly accused priests if the claims were […]
Postcards: No tricks! Church trunk or treats are a Halloween tradition

EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports from the annual ‘trunk or treat’ event at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St Charles, Illinois…
Muralists have work in dozens of churches across 13 US states

Peoria, Illinois, US (Peoria) Journal Star/AP No matter how intricate the art or meaningful the message, Andrew Hattermann says his studio’s work comes down to one simple thing: Beauty. “We try to make a church more beautiful than it’s ever been,” the Peorian says. “That’s our goal.” Peoria artist Andrew Hattermann stands in the sanctuary […]