Following reports of priests accused of sexual crimes against minors, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that prayers alone are insufficient and called for concerted efforts from both the Church and the state to address the issue.
Lithuania is grappling with a scandal involving Vilnius diocese priest Tadas Švedavičius, who is accused of sexually abusing minors across 34 criminal episodes. The criminal case against the 56-year-old clergyman has been forwarded to court, raising questions about recurring sexual abuse within the church.
Prominent journalist Laima Lavaste shared her thoughts on the ongoing scandal involving priests in Lithuania, expressing indignation and questioning the accountability of clergy for their actions.
Police have initiated criminal proceedings against Antonín Juriga, a former clergyman and dignitary of the Prague Archbishopric, accusing him of rape, torture, extortion, and dangerous threats, with a court ordering his detention.
Police in Ogun State have arrested an individual suspected of being a fake clergyman. The arrest was made as part of efforts to curb fraudulent activities within religious circles.
A conflict has erupted between local residents and clergy at the 10th-century Lamaria Monastery in Ushguli, Georgia, over unauthorized construction activities.
The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that clergy members in the state are not legally obligated to report child abuse if they learn of it within the context of a religious confession, in a case involving two bishops who remained silent about abuse.
Excommunications imposed on clergy and faithful of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX) are rooted not just in canonical violations but in a deeper disagreement over the understanding of the Church, according to an analysis.
Banks in Serbia are reportedly navigating the complexities of lending to religious organizations and clergy, facing unique legal and risk management challenges.
Pastor Femi Emmanuel has publicly stated that many church leaders in Nigeria are "completely ignorant" about politics, despite their passion for the country.
A coalition of clergy, Indigenous Peoples, Moro leaders, and human rights advocates will gather at the University of the Philippines Diliman to demand the reversal of the 'Talaingod 13' conviction on its second anniversary.
Lithuanian bishops have released a statement providing aggregated information on received reports of possible sexual exploitation of minors by clergy, ongoing investigations, preventive measures, and support for victims.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has commenced in the Senate, with Senator Escudero presiding. Prosecutors presented a video clip of Duterte's past remarks, alleging they imply an intent to harm the president, while the defense team held a press conference after the second day of proceedings.
New salary regulations for priests in Greece have been announced, with the head of the Church set to receive 4,671.90 per month, reflecting their status as civil servants due to the non-separation of Church and State.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has agreed to pay $395 million to settle claims from 530 survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy, a result of several years of negotiations. This settlement marks a significant step in addressing historical abuse within the Catholic Church.
Swiss clergy have suddenly received army marching orders after parliament decided to abolish their service exemption, a decision made without consulting the churches during the consultation process.
A senior Catholic priest emphasizes the urgent need to address suicide among clergy, noting that priests often struggle in silence due to fear of judgment.
Archbishop Georgios stated that the removal of former bishop Tychikos was not due to personal conflict but for deeper reasons, following the first clergy meeting with the newly enthroned bishop of Paphos.
Clergymen and rescuers are frantically working to save relics from Kyiv’s Dormition Cathedral as flames tear through its roof, shrouding the historic site in thick, black smoke.
A deserving clergyman was granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Kretinga District during a solemn ceremony held at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kretinga.
Spanish actor Alberto San Juan has made strong statements regarding clergy abuse, suggesting that transferring abusive priests to other dioceses implies protection from their superiors.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a historic decision against Turkey, vindicating two clerics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The ruling affirms their rights in a significant legal victory.
A survey in Jamaica reveals that family is considered the most important value by Jamaicans, with clergymen attributing this to the influence of the Church.
The man who became famous as the 'sexy priest' in Rome's calendar has revealed in an interview that he was never a man of the church, having posed in a cassock as a joke at age 17.
Following a legal agreement, Catholic clergy members and an advocacy group can now minister to detainees within an Illinois ICE facility, after previously suing the Trump administration for denied access.
A Mexican priest has gained recognition for his dual life, working by day as a clergyman and by night as a wrestler, using his earnings from the ring to raise money for an orphanage.
Punjab has a 9% conviction rate in sacrilege cases since 2015, with 43 convictions, leading to a tense standoff between the Bhagwant Mann-led government and the Sikh clergy over a new sacrilege law.
Pope Leo has begun to leave his mark on the U.S. Catholic Church through new bishop appointments, focusing on pastoral care and reflecting the evolving demographics of Catholic congregations and clergy.
An opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post argues for the respect of Christians, clergy, pilgrims, churches, monasteries, and all Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing the dignity demanded by the Torah.
An Israeli man was filmed spitting on St. James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter and showing a middle finger. This incident is part of a reported increase in attacks on Christian and Muslim clergy and religious sites in the city.
A debate has arisen over the future of the Free Zones CEO, with some public figures advocating for her removal while the clergy rejects calls for her sack, urging for a second chance instead.
Greek Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Sofia Zacharaki, announced legislative support for Patriarchates and diaspora clergy during her visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.
Rev. Prof. Mante has strongly criticized those attacking a clergyman for comments made about galamsey, or illegal mining. He warned against partisan thinking and asserted that they are not afraid to speak out on such issues.
Spanish bishops have expressed openness to approving a new regulation that would sanction clergy members who commit abuses. The Spanish Episcopal Conference also criticized the executive for applying "double standards" in cases of abuse of power or corruption.
More than 60 victims of sexual abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth are still awaiting payment from a $10 million settlement approved in November 2022, leading to growing frustration.
MANILA, Philippines — A bishop on Saturday urged the clergy, consecrated persons and lay leaders to live a simpler way of life, in solidarity with the poor, amid the global oil shortage caused by the…
A discussion has emerged in Ghana regarding the role of clergy and religion in politics, particularly in light of President John Mahama's comments on LGBTQ issues.
An opinion piece argues that the Catholic Church in Poland cannot avoid financial responsibility for sexual crimes committed by its clergy, even if it requires selling church properties.
The Latvian Occupation Museum has opened a new exhibition titled "To Believe and Serve," detailing the repression of the church, clergy, and believers by occupation authorities in Latvia.
Clergy in Calapan renewed their vows following the Vatican's decision to raise the local vicariate to the status of a diocese, marking a significant event for the religious community.
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has confirmed the abduction of retired pastor Sunday Agang by armed men from his residence in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, and has called for calm and prayers.
A recent ruling has granted clergy permission to visit a Minneapolis ICE holding facility, addressing concerns about the trauma experienced by individuals and families.
The Vilnius district municipality is conducting a resident survey regarding the renaming of streets currently bearing the name of Cardinal Henrik Roman Gulbinowicz. Opinions within the local community are reportedly divided on the issue of commemorating the clergyman in public spaces.
"Oh! ma waene Tardo Liin," a landmark 18th-century lament by Puhja teacher and clergyman Käsu Hans, was recently set to music and performed in a Tartu church.
The investigation found that 75 Catholic clergy molested more than 300 victims since 1950, but stressed that the number of victimized children and abusive priests is likely much higher
Clergy from a conservative grouping of the Anglican Church are meeting this week in Nigeria's capital Abuja to choose a rival to the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
A reporter ponders on how to repair a religious structure long thought of as good but supported by an evil underside
In 1965, just shy of my junior year at the Jesuit high school of New Orleans, with…
Vanessa Grand, a Swiss journalist, singer, scientist, and activist, is campaigning to make Switzerland barrier-free after overcoming over a hundred bone fractures in her childhood. She advocates for inclusion and challenges politicians and clergy on the issue.
Kyoto University has presented a robot-monk named 'Buddharoid' capable of providing spiritual advice and potentially replacing traditional religious rituals, aiming to address the shortage of religious personnel in Japan.
A series of tragic accidents, including a recent bus crash in Hungary, has claimed the lives of 45 Polish pilgrims traveling to Medjugorje, prompting experts to investigate causes and clergy to warn against risks.
The Lithuanian Church is facing a significant scandal involving alleged child abuse by priests, with the scale of the suspected crimes shocking the public. Clergy have addressed the issue in sermons, and prosecutors have noted a lack of further complaints despite the initial revelations.
The Holy See has been informed about possible pedophilia crimes committed by priests in Lithuania, and the identities of the accused clergy are becoming clear.
Armenia's head of the Apostolic Church and senior clergy are facing trial over allegations of spying for Russia. If convicted, they could face jail time.
Very Rev. Hayford Osei Boateng, Superintendent Minister of the Ayeduase Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana, has refuted allegations that the clergy in Ghana have remained silent on the issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Bishop Hieronymus Emusugut Joya in Kenya has sparked criticism from a Limerick priest after issuing an appeal to women not to 'lure priests into an affair,' alongside introducing a 7pm curfew and a ban on overnight guests for clergy.
Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan hosted a charity gala in Accra, bringing together business leaders, clergy, and philanthropists to raise funds for the Bible Society of Ghana and the L'AÎNÉ Foundation's Nsoromma Programme.
Sisters Theresa Alethia and Danielle Lussier are establishing a new Catholic order, the Sisters of the Little Way of Beauty, Truth and Goodness, with the specific mission of assisting survivors of clergy abuse.
A coalition of clergy, Indigenous Peoples, Moro leaders, and rights advocates in Mindanao convened to challenge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on human rights and environmental issues ahead of his State of the Nation Address.
The Putin regime is intensifying its crackdown on clergy, with two young priests now imprisoned for criticizing the war, marking an escalation from earlier fines and bans on priestly activities.
This article argues that poetry which makes life comfortable is impious, asserting that true poetry should unsettle the world and challenge established clergy.
The Vatican has expelled at least 750 priests from the Catholic Church. The conservative group of expelled clergy views the reform of the Catholic Church as heretical.
The Archdiocese of Kraków has established a special commission to investigate cases of sexual exploitation of adults by clergy, focusing on individuals harmed as adults in situations of vulnerability or dependence.
Cardinals of Polish and Ukrainian descent have issued a joint appeal for reconciliation between the two nations. They urged both sides not to remain enslaved by memories of the past.
Chiefs, diplomats, statesmen, clergy, and citizens from Ghana and beyond gathered at the Agogo Palace for the One-Week Observance of Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, in a ceremony of remembrance and national solidarity.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has delivered a significant ruling against Ankara, upholding the rights of clergy from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and challenging decades of practices detrimental to Turkey's Greek Orthodox community.
Prince Filip Karađorđević and Princess Danica, along with their children, arrived in Chicago and were deeply moved by the welcome they received from the Serbian community, clergy, and children.
The Metropolitan of Larissa stated that his pockets, like those of many other Archbishops, are 'holey' despite recent salary increases. He also clarified that he is not paid by Greek taxpayers.
An opinion piece reflects on religious obligations, ritual hygiene, and the role of the priestly caste in overseeing sacred practices, noting how these customs are often observed even by non-believing tourists.
Vilnius is set to host the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy from June 7-12, expecting 5,000 participants including clergy, pilgrims, and religious community representatives from around the globe.
The Polish church is facing a growing crisis as the number of clergy decreases and fewer individuals are choosing to become priests, with some large parishes now having only one priest and only one deacon ordained recently in Poznań.
A Jamaican clergyman has voiced concerns that the nation is 'becoming de-souled,' citing issues like school fights and sexual lewdness as indicators of a decline in national discipline.
A violent physical assault on a foreign nun in Jerusalem last month has brought renewed attention to a surge in anti-Christian incidents in Israel, which local activists and clergy say is a growing problem.
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Three Kuki church leaders were ambushed and killed in India's Manipur state while traveling to a peace meeting. The incident is linked to the region's ongoing ethnic violence.
Christian college leaders are expressing concerns that new federal student loan regulations could pose an "existential threat" to religious higher education and exacerbate existing clergy shortages.
Bishop Charles Ong’injo of Kisumu has gained a reputation as a fearless clergyman for his sermons, in which he openly criticizes politicians and their 'nonsensical sloganeering'.
A clergyman, Rev Julius Ndumia, was found murdered in his house within the church compound, and a security guard was seriously injured in an attack in Nakuru, Kenya.
The Archdiocese of New York has reached an $800 million settlement to resolve approximately 1,300 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy members. This agreement aims to compensate victims and conclude long-standing legal proceedings.
Two months after the outbreak of conflict with the US and Israel, Iran is experiencing a significant shift in power, with the role of the Supreme Leader diminishing and the Revolutionary Guard gaining increased influence.
Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Sofia Zacharaki announced the institutionalization of diaspora clergy as a key government initiative, following her meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople.
Přibyl was officially installed as the new Archbishop of Prague during a ceremonial mass held at St. Vitus Cathedral. He takes over the role amidst discussions about the challenges facing the church, including an aging congregation and a decline in clergy.
An opinion piece by Minić criticizes a political family for invoking God and Saint Vasilije, despite public memory of their actions against holy sites, attempts to seize churches and monasteries, and arrests of clergy. The author states the issue transcends politics and is now about honor.
The IRS has issued new guidelines affecting tipped workers, specifically mentioning clergy and individuals like Santa Clauses, regarding their income reporting.
A historian reflects on the Albanian Communist Party's unsuccessful attempts to forge an alliance with Catholics in Shkodër, highlighting the Catholic clergy's refusal of even Sejfulla Malëshova's requests. The article delves into the political clashes between Marxist theory and Christianity over the last two centuries.
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has urged the clergy and faithful to unite in prayer for world peace, particularly for regions affected by war, on Good Friday.
Three significant events of the 1821 Greek Revolution—the Battle of Dervenakia (1822), the Exodus of Messolonghi (1826), and the Battle of Navarino—are highlighted as pivotal moments that largely determined the outcome of the struggle, with emphasis on the role of the Church and clergy.
The Anglican clergy pension fund plans to vote against the directors of NatWest, Santander, and HSBC, accusing the banks of failing to uphold their commitments to reduce climate-related risks.
The clergy in Kenya has rebuked the public outbursts between President Ruto and the opposition, calling for calm and a more constructive political discourse.
Large crowds of faithful, clergy, and officials joined a solemn procession on March 18 to pay their respects to Ilia II, a day after he passed away at the age of 93.
Civil society leaders and clergy who filed the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte will formally withdraw their case today, saying they will now give their “full support” to the third complaint. “We believe that the impeachment process must proceed at the earliest possible time, free from procedural limbo and unnecessary legal delays
Despite improving security in Latvia after the War of Independence, various crimes still occurred. In one such case, a clergyman was attacked in Rēzekne district on the night of July 1, 1928, by an unexpected guest with an axe.
Bishop Sergije of Bihać-Petrovac informed the clergy of his eparchy that during Great Lent, services in churches and monasteries will not be held in modern Serbian, but exclusively in...
The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral (MCP) stated that rumors about the separation of Boka from the church have primarily political motives and are not based on the will of the clergy…
The Archdiocese of Częstochowa in Poland is forming a team to investigate allegations of sexual offenses committed by clergy, with some cases dating back 80 years.
Federal judges have issued orders to ICE, one to facilitate the return of a college student deported in error and another to allow clergy to provide communion to detained migrants.
A Lithuanian minister has called on the Church to cleanse itself following accusations against priests regarding sexual crimes against children, emphasizing that a purification is necessary.
Rural churches in Italy are increasingly relying on foreign-born priests, such as Rev. Vincent Souly from Ivory Coast, to fill a growing shortage of clergy, mirroring how immigrants have long addressed labor gaps in other sectors.
A new scandal involving priests allegedly exploiting children for money has emerged in Lithuania, leading to strong demands for accountability and reform within the church. This incident follows previous controversies and highlights ongoing issues within the clergy.
The Vilnius Archdiocese is addressing accusations of sexual crimes against minors involving several priests, with the Prime Minister also commenting on the allegations and potential changes. The archdiocese has outlined its support for victims and response to the accusations.
Prime Minister Han Seong-suk held a luncheon meeting with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy, to discuss national issues, including peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Patriarch Kirill expressed satisfaction with the departure of clergy who opposed the war, stating, "I am glad that those who were with us, but were not ours, have left us. And they will certainly never return to Russia."
The '21. maj' Civic Initiative in Montenegro points to a division within Serbian nationalist politics. They suggest a faction of the clergy will align with Mandić, following Amfilohije's autonomism, while other groups will adhere to an anti-European ethno-filetism aligned with Belgrade and Moscow.
A Wexford priest discusses the evolving nature of the clergy following Diamond Jubilee celebrations, noting a decline in numbers but also strong faith among many.
A Danish parish priest has stated that a priest affiliated with the Folketing (Danish Parliament) undermines the national church, emphasizing that the Danish national church has been based on priests being called by a congregation or parish since the Reformation.
New salaries for the highest-ranking clergy of the Orthodox Church of Greece, including the Archbishop, metropolitans, and bishops, have been published in the Official Gazette of Greece, with increases comparable to those of state secretaries.
A Russian deputy mufti has been fined again, this time over a medieval battle painting, amidst an ongoing campaign targeting Muslim clergy. This incident follows a Russian blogger also being fined for comparing Russians to animals, while already serving time for a Nazi rehabilitation charge.
Janusz Szymik is seeking 20 million Polish złoty in compensation from the Archdiocese of Krakow for sexual abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a priest between 1984 and 1989.
Michalis Oikonomou revealed an unknown aspect of the internal dynamics within churches regarding same-sex families, sharing his experiences from interactions with the clergy.
A 34-year-old clergyman was arrested in Thessaloniki for an incident of violence against his 65-year-old mother-in-law, which occurred in front of his 8-year-old daughter.
The Presbyterian Church is experiencing an internal revolt following a proposal that would require its clergy to be in monogamous relationships. This potential change has sparked significant debate within the church.
A jury in Texas began deliberating a verdict for Catholic priest Anthony Odiong, who is charged with exploiting his clergyman status to pursue sex with female parishioners he was providing spiritual direction to.
A new religious community, potentially comprising dozens of chapels and clergy serving thousands of faithful, may emerge in Poland as the Lefebvrist Church moves closer to official recognition or a new reality by July.
An opinion piece argues that the harassment of Christian institutions, clergy, and symbols in Israel is detrimental to both the state and Jewish historical values. The author questions whether authorities are doing enough to address the issue.
Large crowds and ruling party officials participated in marches across Georgia on May 17 to celebrate the "Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents," a day introduced by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014 following clergy-led violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in 2013.
Lawyer Manases 'Mans' Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, has filed a lawsuit against three priests, three nuns, a Protestant pastor, and others for allegedly damaging his reputation through a corruption lawsuit.
Rev. Jonathan K. Asiedu-Otibu, a Ghanaian pastor and former radio minister, has graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, USA. He is also a healthcare chaplain and international Christian leader.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine is hosting a clergy-led Bible discussion series on May 13, focusing on scripture readings, preaching, and an open Q&A session.
The Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Philotheos, stated that the Church and its clergy should not be aligned with specific ideologies, during a discussion about a book on Ioakeim of Kozani, who joined the resistance with EAM.
A widely circulated report suggesting Polish priests were dissatisfied with the amount of church collections has been clarified, stating that neither the country nor the specific problem reported by the clergy is accurate.
The Sri Lankan government is implementing stricter regulations for monks traveling abroad, a move that could impact religious freedom and international engagement for the clergy.
The Christian Council of Ghana has firmly rejected calls for it to remain silent on political and national issues. The clergy asserted their role as citizens with a right to speak truth to power.
Twenty-two Buddhist monks were detained at a Sri Lankan airport upon their return from Thailand after authorities discovered a significant amount of cannabis, reportedly 110 kilograms, in their luggage. This incident has led to condemnation from senior Buddhist clergy regarding 'monk impersonators' involved in drug smuggling.
The Spanish Church has registered 1,131 complaints of pedophilia and identified 1,000 alleged aggressors over five years, with bishops approving a decree to fine laypeople and clergy who commit such crimes.
Pope Francis delivered a message urging bishops and priests to avoid seeking privileges. He also addressed young people, calling on them to reject injustice, poverty, and dishonesty, and to work towards building a better world free from war.
Estonian intelligence (KAPO) has warned that Russia remains the biggest threat, reporting a record number of uncovered agents, the expulsion of Kremlin-linked clergy, and a shift of influence operations to social media.
Hundreds of Christian ministers from Urhobo land in Delta State reaffirmed their endorsement of Revd Francis Ejiroghene Waive for re-election to the House of Representatives and backed Oborevwori for the 2027 election at a prayer gathering.
Ghanaian MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on the country's religious leaders to demand decisive action from President John Dramani Mahama regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, following a perceived 'u-turn' on LGBTQI+ issues.
Pope Leo XIV personally carried the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday, marking his first such act as pontiff and reviving a decades-old tradition.
Georgian Dream officials have accused opponents and critics of waging an "anti-Church campaign" aimed at discrediting senior clergy and the late Patriarch Ilia II, days after his widely-revered funeral.
A letter from the Polish Episcopal Conference, read in churches on March 22nd to mark the 40th anniversary of John Paul II's visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome, was met with skepticism by some diocesan clergy and faithful.
A commentary explores how literature continues to feature and rely on the clergy as figures who claim to offer profound insights into a drastically different order of things.
The first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally, has been installed, with women clergy reflecting on the long struggle toward women's ordination and the future of women in ministry, as she faces the challenge of uniting a divided church.
A team creatives and marketing experts, led by the producer of 2019’s microbudget viral hit “The VelociPastor” (about a crime-fighting clergyman who transforms into a dinosaur, of course), have…
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has issued a stirring call to action for the Ghanaian diaspora, urging church leaders to become active architects of the nation’s future.
'Consolidating our support behind the third complaint will strengthen our position and help move the case forward to the Senate impeachment court,' Tindig Pilipinas says
Starting March 1, the Catholic Church in Poland will be able to impose financial penalties for canonical offenses, applicable to both clergy and lay officials, with a maximum fine equivalent to twenty times the average monthly salary.
The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral (MCP) claims that rumors of separating the Bay of Kotor from its jurisdiction are politically motivated and not based on the will of the clergy or…
A letter from the Polish Bishops' Conference, intended to be read in churches on Sunday, caused confusion among Catholic clergy and faithful due to its strong resemblance to the Fidesz campaign's war rhetoric, leading many to omit reading it.