religion

The Florida Department of Education has issued a “model policy” to help school districts carry out a controversial new law that allows volunteer chaplains.

Faced with infertility, Christians who believe life begins at or around conception must wrestle with weighty questions related to beliefs and ethics. The dilemma reflects the age-old friction between faith and science at the heart of the recent IVF controversy in Alabama.

The measure would allow chaplains to act as counselors in K-12. Supporters say it would add a tool to help schools address students' mental health issues. The Florida Senate debated the bill Wednesday.

House support did not break down neatly on party lines and a number of Democrats voted for the measure. There remains concerns about the bill, but it's now before the full Senate.

After the House passed a companion measure, the Senate version received a final committee OK. Supporters say the proposal would add a tool to help address children’s mental health issues.

Supporters of the measure say allowing chaplains would add another tool to help schools address children’s mental health issues. The bill would need approval from the Senate.

Roman Catholic abortion rights opponents say they'll push now to get a complete ban in Florida. But U.S. polls indicate pro-choice Catholics still outnumber them.

While reasons for seeking religious exemptions vary, many Christians have cited the vaccines’ remote connection to past abortions. However, many suspect there are non-religious motivations.

Francis says individuals have a responsibility to care for themselves "and this translates into respect for the health of those around us."

Congregations are figuring out how to safely meet in person now that the COVID-19 vaccine is more widely available. But vaccination remains divisive even as it allows them to come together again.