Jimmy Carter's complicated relationship to the church Jimmy Carter was the first evangelical Christian to occupy the Oval Office. But the Baptist Sunday school teacher's relationship with fellow evangelicals was politically and spiritually fraught. Jason DeRose
Opinion: Prayers are messages for our own hearts Hanukkah began on Christmas this year. A reflection on celebrating both holidays in a multi-faith family. Scott Simon
The biggest religion stories of the year — and what we could see in 2025 Each year, the Religion News Association surveys its members to come up with the top domestic and international stories about religion. Jason DeRose
Christians in Syria celebrate the first Christmas since the end of the Assad regime Christians in Syria are struggling with how publicly to celebrate Christmas this year. There is a lot unknown about the interim government ruling Syria and their tolerance of religious minorities. Hadeel Al-Shalchi
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms in Christmas address Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message urged "all people of all nations" to find courage "to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions" plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia. The Associated Press
Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem are canceled for a second year The city of Bethlehem is in dire straits. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the birthplace of Jesus, packed with pilgrims and tourists. But the streets are empty with the war in Gaza raging. Carrie Kahn
The fun — and confusion — of celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah on the same date Christmas and Hanukkah rarely fall on the same date, but this year they do. One mixed-faith family in Oakland, Calif., doubles down for double whammy holiday. Chloe Veltman
For Pagans, winter solstice is a time for reflection and celebration Saturday (December 21) is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In many pagan religions, the day is marked by Yule: a holiday that's a time of both reflection and celebration Rose Conlon
Brief encounter with skull of St. Thomas Aquinas goes from macabre to meaningful Carol Zimmerman, news editor at the National Catholic Reporter, went to see the purported skull of St. Thomas Aquinas. She tells NPR's Ailsa Chang about its importance to Catholics and her experience. Sarah Handel
Christmas and Sadness More and more congregations are trying to be sensitive to those who are grieving during the holidays. The move ranges from special services to the inclusion of hymns and prayers that speak to sadness during regular Sunday worship. Jason DeRose