Religion in the News Week Ending Oct. 3, 2015

What We Can Do After Praying For Victims of Another Mass Shooting

In the wake of America’s most recent school shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, many have called for more than just prayer to address the rampant increase of gun violence in the nation. The UCC shooter targeted Christians during his deadly tirade, leaving many followers of Christ heartbroken, uneasy and in prayer. President Obama addressed the shooting and made headlines stating, “our prayers are not enough”. Huffington Post contributor Jonathan Walton explains other ways to recover from and prevent another mass shooting. Learn more about how Christians cope with grief on Deily.

Sikh Men Remove Turbans To Save Hindu boys Drowning In Canal
Two Sikh men removed their turbans during a religious ceremony to save four Hindu boys from drowning in a canal in Punjab, India last week. The Sikh men, Inderpal Signh and Kanwaljit Signh, were honoring Hindu god Ganesha (or Ganesh) during a religious ceremony when the four young boys accidentally fell into the canal’s speedy current and were pulled under. The two men immediately rushed to their aid, successfully saving all four boys. Watch the powerful video footage of the rescue on Huffington Post. Learn more about the Hindu god Ganesha on Deily.

Shia And Sunni Muslims In India Stand Shoulder To Shoulder For Joint Prayers
In celebration of Eid al-Adha, Shia and Sunni Muslims gathered for joint prayer in Lucknow, India on Sept. 25, Huffington Post reports. “Shoulder to Shoulder,” a volunteer group committed to highlighting the common spiritual roots between the two sects, organized the prayer event.

One Family’s Pilgrimage to See the Pope
After 13,000 miles and six long months, one Argentinian family made the pilgrimage to meet with Pope Francis in Philadelphia – bringing new meaning to the family roadtrip. Check out the full video of their journey on Aljazeera.

Oklahoma Will Remove Ten Commandments Monument From State Capitol Grounds
Oklahoma lawmakers voted to remove a privately Republican funded granite monument of the Ten Commandments from the State Capitol grounds last Tuesday, according to the Huffington Post . A judge has ordered its removal by Oct. 12. Republican lawmakers are opposing the monument’s removal, which is strongly supported by Oklahoma’s Republican leadership. It is unclear where the 6-foot-tall monument will be relocated. Learn more about the Ten Commandments on Deily.

LGBT Catholics Confused And Hurt By Pope’s Visit With Kim Davis
Since Pope Francis’ return to Rome, news of his 15-minute meeting with infamous Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis has lead many LGBT Catholics to raise their eyebrows at the encounter. Davis, an Apostolic Christian, made headlines earlier this month when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She claimed her faith’s opposition to gay marriage as the reason for her refusal. Read how LGBT Catholics are reacting to the meeting on The Huffington Post.

The Not So Secret History Of Mormon Women’s Leadership
In preparation for the 185^th General Conference, millions of Mormons around the world are readying themselves for the future of the religion. Mormons may face the most significant leadership transition in the faith’s last century. With three places on the Church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles available for new members, women in the faith are gearing up to return to leadership. Women have had major roles in the faith in the past, and Mormon women are looking to continue the leadership roles in the future. Read the full story women’s roles in Mormonism on The Huffington Post. Learn more about Mormonism and the Church of Latter-Day Saints on Deily.