Three Catholic bishops met with leaders of the American nuns’ group they are tasked with overhauling in an “open and cordial” meeting on Sunday (Nov. 11), according to a joint statement.

Presumably, moderators of mid councils took their positions to make a difference. But many might find themselves in tense meetings filled with angry words, said the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Public Witness.

International partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from all around the world have sent messages here expressing concern and solidarity in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and assuring U.S. Presbyterians that they are praying for them as the recovery gets started along the northeastern seaboard.

500 years ago, on Oct. 31, 1512, Pope Julius II led an evening prayer service to inaugurate the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s newly-finished vault frescoes.

Speculation persists surrounding the end-date of the Mayan calendar on Dec. 21, 2012.

Some interpret that the date symbolizes total annihilation of the world resulting from a cataclysmic event. Others believe it will the dawn of a new age. Still others expect to wake up on Dec. 22 noticing very little change, if any at all.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced the opening of its consolidated library housed at the Ecumenical Institute, in Bossey, Switzerland, near its Geneva offices. The formal dedication took place Oct. 24 and was attended by WCC staff, Bossey students and faculty, and WCC and Bossey Institute friends.

Addressing poverty. Seeking reconciliation. Protecting religious freedom. Religious leaders already have their wish lists ready for President Obama’s second term. Here are 10 officials’ thoughts about what they’d like to see in the next four years.

The Protestant churches in this capital city of the Czech Republic ― where more than 80 percent of the population is officially atheist ― hold periodic “open houses” to welcome the curious and the hostile.

Unshaven and wearing a black hoodie and cap, Omar Elba looked out from the lectern, surrounded by a gold cross and organ pipes. “Moses, you are my nizzle fo’ shizzle,” said the Egyptian-born Muslim comedian, doing his best to channel Snoop Dogg.

Joey B. Bailey, who has served as chief financial officer for the Presbyterian Mission Agency (formerly the General Assembly Mission Council) for 14 years has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 28, 2013.