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The policies surrounding temple sealings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have undergone significant changes over the years, leading to a notable gender imbalance. This article explores how these policies have evolved and the implications for men and women. What is a Temple Sealing? In LDS doctrine, a temple sealing is a sacred ordinance that binds a man and woman together for eternity. This bond extends beyond death, ensuring that their family relationships continue in the Celestial Kingdom. Historical Context 19th Century Practices In the 1800s, LDS temple sealings allowed both men and women to be…

The American Council on Education (ACE) has announced the formation of the Commission on Faith-based Colleges and Universities, marking a significant development in higher education. Set to launch with its inaugural meetings on June 4 in Washington, D.C., this commission aims to facilitate collaboration between religiously affiliated and secular institutions. Background and Purpose The commission’s creation follows data indicating that faith-based schools have experienced substantial growth—an 82% increase from 1980 to 2020, compared to a 57% rise in the national average. This growth underscores the innovative approaches religious institutions have adopted in recent years, particularly in terms of access and…

The journey of migrants seeking refuge and a better life often unfolds at the U.S.-Mexico border, a place where the harsh realities of immigration policy meet the personal stories of those in need. This year, as the Biden administration implements new restrictions on asylum-seekers, it’s crucial to understand the experiences of those at the border, including the migrants themselves, Border Patrol agents, and those working in detention centers. A recent visit by a group from Mormon Women for Ethical Government sheds light on these complex realities. The Realities of Migration Azucena, a Honduran woman fleeing gang violence, exemplifies the struggles…

In a critical election year, faith communities across the United States are being called to action to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process. As we enter the summer months, our focus often shifts to vacations and family activities, leaving concerns about the upcoming election in the background. However, the current political climate demands immediate and proactive engagement from citizens, especially those guided by values of service and community. The Need for Poll Workers Poll workers, also known as election workers, play a vital role in our democracy. They are responsible for various tasks at polling stations, including…

In a landmark event held on July 9-10, 2024, in Hiroshima, Japan, the Vatican brought together leaders from various religious traditions to advocate for ethical guidelines in artificial intelligence (AI). This historic meeting, occurring in the city where one of the atomic bombs was dropped during World War II, sought to address the profound implications of AI on humanity and emphasize its potential for positive impact. Event Overview The gathering in Hiroshima saw participation from representatives of 11 different religious traditions, including Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Eastern faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Bahá’í. The event aimed to shift…

The 10th National Eucharistic Congress began on July 17, 2024, in Indianapolis, marking the first such event since 1941. This significant gathering, which runs until July 21, aims to foster unity and strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. and beyond. Attendees from all 50 U.S. states and 17 countries have come together for this event, which also inaugurates the third year of the U.S. Catholic bishops’ evangelization campaign. Unity and Devotion at the Congress The Congress opened with a poignant display as Catholics knelt in silence on the stadium’s concrete floor, illuminated by spotlights on a gold monstrance holding…

On Monday, Pope Francis called upon religious orders worldwide to intensify their efforts and prayers for new priests and nuns. His appeal comes in response to the alarming decline in the number of individuals entering Catholic religious life, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The Pope’s remarks highlight the challenges faced by these religious communities and underscore the need for a renewed commitment to recruitment and training. Declining Numbers in Religious Life Pope Francis expressed concern over the significant drop in new entrants into religious life, noting that the future of many congregations is at risk. During a recent gathering…

Catholic Integralism is a political and religious philosophy advocating that Christian values, particularly those of the Catholic Church, should guide and shape government policies. Integralists believe that the spiritual domain should dominate and integrate with the temporal, or worldly, aspects of life, creating a governance system aligned with Christian principles. Core Beliefs Integration of Spiritual and Temporal: Catholic Integralists argue that the spiritual (religious) and temporal (worldly) spheres should not be separate. Instead, religious values should dominate and direct societal and governmental affairs. Opposition to Liberalism: Integralists critique liberalism, which they view as valuing individualism and liberty to the detriment…

Catholic Dating Struggles Discussed at National Eucharistic Congress The National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis recently hosted a lively discussion on dating as a single Catholic. The event, held on July 19, 2024, was part of a larger five-day evangelization event organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The panel addressed various aspects of Catholic dating, including challenges in finding a partner while discerning religious vocations and the dynamics of modern gender roles. Key Discussion Points and Panelists The panel, hosted by the Catholic Project, featured six speakers, including Mari Pablo, a ministry consultant; Chika Anyanwu, author of “My Encounter:…

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Indian Army’s devastating attack on the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar and over 40 other Sikh shrines throughout Punjab. Known as Operation Bluestar, this military operation was launched in June 1984 and has left a lasting impact on the Sikh community and their places of worship. The Golden Temple Complex: Significance and Destruction The Golden Temple, or Darbar Sahib, is a pivotal site for Sikhs. It includes Harmandir Sahib, the central spiritual hub, and Akal Takht, the seat of Sikh sovereignty. This complex, akin to the Vatican for Catholics or Mecca for…