religion

There's no doubt that religious holidays and festivals have looked and felt different ever since the pandemic hit. As it continues into this year, the Jewish spring festival, Passover, will follow suit.

This week, the Vatican concluded its own investigation of Wyoming Emeritus Bishop Joseph Hart, ruling that there was not enough evidence to find him guilty of the numerous allegations against him.

This week marks two important religious holidays: Passover begins Wednesday, April 8 and Easter is on Sunday, April 12. But a statewide order bans Wyomingites from gathering in groups of more than 10. So, many churches and synagogues are not holding any in-person worships or gatherings. But this is a challenge as Easter and Passover are holidays where families usually do gather together.

The Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne has determined that three new allegations of child sexual abuse against a former Wyoming bishop are credible and substantiated. The allegations of child sexual abuse against Emeritus Bishop Joseph Hart allegedly occurred in the 1970s and '80s.

Across the country Tuesday, abortion rights advocates gathered at town squares and courthouses to protest recent restrictions to abortion access. Demonstrations also took place here in the Mountain West. In Laramie, that meant standing outside in the snow.

Efforts to hold sexually abusive clergy accountable are increasing after decades of inaction. This week Pope Francis convened Catholic leaders from around the world at the Vatican to discuss the matter. Closer to home, Colorado's Attorney General announced a statewide investigation into clergy abuse there. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, a police investigation into former Catholic Bishop Joseph Hart has been underway for eight months.

At a rally this weekend in Gillette, a Wyoming anti-Islam group is planning to burn a Quran.  

According to the group’s website, members of Americans For A Secure Wyoming are calling to “ban Islam from Wyoming,” though the group does not explain how that could be enforced.

Last year, members of a different online group Stop Islam In Gillette protested the opening of Gillette’s first mosque.

Gillette mayor Louise Carter-King said the protests do not reflect positively on what she describes as a welcoming community.

The Wyoming Association of Churches shines a light on racism and diversity in Wyoming in a workshop. “Doing Justice in a Red State” will address recent instances of racism in Wyoming, proposed hate crime legislation, and how churches can become involved in social justice issues.

Chesie Lee, the executive director of the Wyoming Association of Churches, says one of the biggest challenges in stomping out racism in the state is the lack of discussion about the topic.

Platte County School District is affirming students’ right to pray in school after an incident this year drew the attention of a national Christian legal advocacy group.

In October, some students formed a prayer circle in Glendo High School’s cafeteria. Administrators say a parent lunch monitor and the school principal told the students to pray elsewhere because of concerns about separation of church and state.

Ten years ago, a young Arapaho man was charged with killing an eagle without a permit for a Sun Dance ceremony. The Northern Arapaho tribe decided it was their duty to stand behind any tribal member legitimately practicing their tribal religion and a federal court agreed with them.

But now, the United States is appealing the decision.  

In a recent press release, Northern Arapaho Chairman Dean Goggles says quote “eagles are an important part of [the tribe’s] most sacred ceremonies” and says the decision to take an eagle is never undertaken lightly.