Health

It has taken Beit Simchat Torah, once hit hard by AIDS, 43 years to be able to build a synagogue designed for its needs, in a property that it owns. On April 3, it will officially open its new home on West 30th Street. Source: Gay Congregation Celebrates...

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with the Nicole Winfield of the Associated Press about the pope's justification for use of contraception in regions affected by the Zika virus. Source: Pope Francis Justifies Contraception In Regions Affected By Zika Virus : NPR

The pope firmly ruled out abortion for pregnant women who fear effects of the Zika virus — but said that "in certain cases," contraception might be a lesser evil, without directly approving its use. Source: Pope Suggests Contraception Use May Be 'Lesser...

The shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic was eclipsed days later by the massacre in San Bernardino, Calif. There are mixed feelings about the loss of attention. Source: Colorado Springs Deals With Mass Killing as Nation Moves On - The New York Times

A for-profit gym franchise has become the focus of study by researchers trying to pinpoint what constitutes religiosity in America. Source: When Some Turn to Church, Others Go to CrossFit

Veronica Baetje builds a reputation for some of the best French-style goat cheese in America. Source: A Mennonite’s Knack for Fine Goat Cheese - The New York Times

A report published by an Italian newspaper that said the pope had a treatable brain tumor fueled suspicion about Francis’ health, which the Vatican denied. Source: A Whiff of Intrigue as Vatican Disputes ‘Unfounded’ Report on Pope Francis’ Health - The...

Record numbers of Syrian, Iraqi, and North African migrants have been flooding into Europe, generating a massive humanitarian crisis. Host Bob Abernethy and managing editor Kim Lawton talk with Sean Callahan, chief operating officer of Catholic Relief...

Buddhism became a sanctuary for Dr. Barry Kerzin and led to his ordination as a monk. Now he serves as the Dalai Lama’s personal physician and combines his medical wisdom with love and compassion that translate into empathy. More → Source: October 9, 2015...

An Orthodox Jewish charity called Renewal is connecting organ donors with sick patients within their own faith communities, which encourages more people to donate. Source: Kidney Donors and Faith Communities | October 9, 2015 | Religion & Ethics...