Some churches are extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas. (This story first aired on Morning Edition on November 20, 2023.)

Some churches are arching their backs against earlier and earlier celebrations of Christmas by extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.

The Vatican has removed from office an outspoken, conservative bishop in Texas who's been openly critical of Pope Francis's reforms in the Catholic Church.

Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who has been openly opposed to Pope Francis' reforms, was asked to resign, which he refused to do. Francis later made the decision to remove the bishop.

The statement came in response to a series of questions from bishops seeking guidance on administering the sacraments.

A 69-year-old Jewish man has died as a result of injuries that occurred during a pro-Israel rally near Los Angeles over the weekend. Authorities have not ruled it out as a hate crime.

Worry over a backlash from expressing support or sympathy for either side in the Israel-Hamas crisis is leaving some Muslim and Jewish friends feeling abandoned.

Worry over a backlash from expressing support or sympathy for either side in the Israel-Hamas crisis is leaving some Muslim and Jewish friends feeling abandoned.

Since the Hamas attacks in Israel and the killing of a young Muslim boy near Chicago, mosques in the U.S. are more concerned than ever with security.

Synagogues in the U.S. have considerable security compared to many other houses of worship. The Hamas attacks have congregations refocused on the safety of worshipers.

Muslim-Jewish interfaith relations are tested during heightened fighting in Israel and Gaza. Some groups say the groundwork they've laid over years helps them have sometimes painful conversations.

Many Christian denominations in recent years have repudiated a doctrine that was used to justify the destruction of Indigenous people and culture. (Story aired on ATC on Oct. 5, 2023.)

Roman Catholic leaders are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church. Among the topics will be whether to allow women to become deacons in the church.

Many Christian denominations in recent years have repudiated a doctrine that was used to justify the subjugation of Native and Indigenous people. That's now playing out in local congregations.

Several Christian denominations in recent years have repudiated a doctrine that was used to justify the subjugation of Native and Indigenous people. That's now playing out in local congregations.

Catholic leaders are beginning a month-long meeting to discuss the church's relationship to laity. Among the topics: women in ministry and being more welcoming of divorced and LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Roman Catholic leaders from around the world are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church, including whether to allow women to become deacons.

Roman Catholic leaders are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church. Among the topics will be whether to allow women to become deacons in the church.

Theodore McCarrick is the most prominent Catholic leader in the U.S. to face sex abuse charges.