With Passover and both Easters — for eastern and western Christians alike — coinciding this year, it’s a more hectic “Holy Week” than usual for religion reporters and interfaith families. Although it’s more historically accurate when Passover and Easter come together, given that Jesus’ Last Supper was probably a Seder, the JTA points out that this makes life rather difficult for…

As I predicted yesterday, the clergy and commentators defending Pope Benedict’s response to the clergy sex abuse scandal — including a legal defense being planned in the U.S. — has fueled a backlash from victims and their supporters. After the American bishops affirmed that they “stand with” the pope and the Vatican’s handling of the pedophile priest problem, the…

Apologies to Tammy Wynette, but I’ve had “Stand By Your Man” stuck in my head for hours while sifting through the influx of Catholic bishops and commentators defending Pope Benedict’s response to the global clergy sex abuse scandal (as his U.S. approval ratings plummet). A few notable examples: U.S. bishops profoundly grateful for Pope’s work in combating…

The Church of Scientology is getting more unwanted publicity this week, as reporters look into claims made by former members accusing high-ranking officials — including church leader David Miscavige, who also served as best man in Tom Cruise’s wedding to Katie Holmes — of physical and psychological abuse. From the Associated Press: The church says…

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