churches

Authorities say a man found dead in an Idaho church roughly 40 years ago has been linked to the 1982 Chicago-area Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people and triggered a national panic. The identification or connection, reported by Arizona's Family, revives one of America's most notorious unsolved criminal cases and is drawing renewed attention to decades-old evidence.

Russia is deploying relics of Orthodox saints and medieval princes with its military, blending religious symbolism with the war effort. The practice reflects the close alignment between the Russian Orthodox Church and the armed forces, with sacred objects being used to inspire troops and frame the conflict in spiritual and nationalist terms.

American Cardinal Robert McElroy has laid out a vision for how the Catholic Church can operate in the digital age, arguing that online communication is now central to evangelisation and pastoral life. Published through Vatican News, his reflections touch on how the Church should engage people where they increasingly live: on digital platforms and social media.

Members of the Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, are marking one year since a shooting at their church, reflecting on the trauma of the attack and their efforts to heal. Coverage from church-affiliated outlets focuses on how the community is coping with grief and rebuilding a sense of safety as the anniversary prompts renewed attention to the victims and survivors.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, said the French Church will have to "water the seeds" sown by the Pope's visit, meaning the fruits of the papal trip will depend on sustained follow-up by French Catholics. The remarks were reported by Vatican News and frame the visit as a beginning rather than an end.

The surviving foundations and 1875 cornerstone of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church have been highlighted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The remnants point to the church's long history as an African American religious institution, and preservationists are drawing attention to the site as an example of endangered Black heritage worth documenting and protecting.

Victor Marx, a Christian minister and humanitarian worker, is under scrutiny over whether his frequent speaking appearances at churches comply with IRS rules. Questions centre on rules limiting political activity and endorsement by tax-exempt religious organisations, and how his regular pulpit presence fits within those constraints.

Businesses on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace are appealing directly to Vermont Governor Phil Scott for help with public safety concerns. The merchants are seeking state support to address safety issues affecting the popular downtown pedestrian area, taking their appeal beyond city officials to the governor's office.

A pastor, identified as Shane Miller, is drawing large online attention after a story describing how he called out a witch during a church service, followed by an unspecified dramatic outcome. The claim has sparked widespread reaction among religious audiences, with hundreds of thousands engaging with the account. Details about what exactly happened next, or where the service took place, remain unclear.

The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce is hosting a career fair on Thursday at Crossroads Bible Church, giving local job seekers a chance to meet employers in one place. The announcement was carried by the Los Alamos Reporter, which shared the event details for area residents. Job fairs like this connect regional businesses with candidates, particularly in communities with limited hiring channels.

Christ Reformed Baptist Church is under scrutiny for its ties to International Reformed Baptist Seminary, with critics questioning whether the institution's strict Reformed theology fosters harsh or authoritarian ministry practices. The discussion, surfacing on watchdog blogs focused on church abuse and accountability, asks whether the seminary's doctrinal culture shapes the conduct of pastors it trains. No allegations against specific individuals have been reported.

A church in Batesville, Arkansas, has shut down its daycare program, according to regional news coverage from Jonesboro-based K8 News. The report confirms the closure but gives no stated reason, and it is not yet clear how many children or staff were affected or whether the program may reopen. Local families relying on the childcare service are likely to be impacted.

A woman has filed a lawsuit against a megachurch alleging she was sexually abused there decades ago. The civil suit reportedly relates to abuse said to have occurred years earlier, reopening allegations against the prominent congregation. Details about the church named, the parties involved, and the specific claims have not yet been widely reported, and the church has not publicly responded to the filing.

Israel has airlifted its citizens out of Lalibela, a historic town in northern Ethiopia, as fighting in the region escalates. The evacuation comes amid renewed conflict between Ethiopian forces and armed groups, raising concerns for foreign nationals in the area. Lalibela, known for its rock-hewn churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has drawn Israeli pilgrims and tourists.

A Los Angeles church is hosting extreme wrestling, according to reporting by Annenberg Media. The story highlights an unusual pairing of a religious venue with a combative sports entertainment event, drawing attention to how the church is opening its space to unconventional community programming. Little further detail about the event, its organisers, or reactions from attendees and the congregation is available in the current coverage.

A church described in court proceedings as 'cult-like' has been ordered to pay $24 million in damages in the case brought by Serah Bellar. The judgment resolves a legal dispute that drew attention to the congregation's practices. Details of the court's full reasoning and the church's response have not yet been widely reported.

A growing number of young French adults are converting to or re-embracing Catholicism, a shift highlighted by FRANCE 24's coverage of the trend. Reports point to young people seeking meaning, tradition and community in a secular society, with baptisms and church attendance among Gen Z rising despite France's broader religious decline.