search
secularism
Trends
- 1Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass before huge crowds in Paris●Hundreds of thousands of worshippers flood the heart of Paris as Pope Leo XIV celebrates a massive open-air Mass and cal
Pope Leo XIV led a large open-air Mass in central Paris, with the Vatican estimating around 800,000 worshippers packing the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. In his homily he urged Catholics to openly share their faith in what he called an increasingly secularized society. The event, a major moment of the papal visit to France, drew widespread attention and discussion of religion's public role in the country.
- 2Nonbelievers finding meaning in spiritual practice●Unbeliever I do not believe in God or a higher power, but I still enjoy spiritual practices. I used to think this made m
A self-described unbeliever writes that while he does not believe in God or any higher power, he continues to enjoy spiritual practices such as chanting. He once feared this made him a hypocrite, but found the rituals still bring him peace despite his materialist outlook. The piece touches on a familiar tension for secular people who still value ritual, meditation and community without faith.
- 3
Karnataka leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has announced a major agitation to secure the return of land to residents of 50 villages around Bengaluru. The announcement, reported by Kannada media, has drawn attention as a significant land-rights issue, with the Janata Dal (Secular) leader positioning the campaign around farmers and villagers seeking restitution of their land.
- 4Frank Lloyd Wright quote sparks nature-as-God discussion▼I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. —Frank Lloyd Wright ______________________ # atheism # faith # god
A quotation attributed to architect Frank Lloyd Wright — 'I believe in God, only I spell it Nature' — is circulating in discussions tagged atheism, faith and god. The line frames nature itself as the object of belief, blurring the line between religion and secular naturalism, and is being shared by people reflecting on what belief in God really means.
- 5Canadian Military Faces Criticism Over Secularized Prayers●When Inclusion Becomes Erasure: The Canadian Military’s Secularization Of Prayer
The Canadian Armed Forces are being criticized for reworking traditional military prayers into more secular, inclusive language, a change described as inclusion turning into erasure. Commentary argues the removal of overtly religious wording sidelines faith traditions that have long been part of military life. The debate has drawn attention to how the military balances diversity commitments with its historical religious customs.
- 6Four men to be ordained permanent deacons in Detroit▼Meet the four men to be ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is preparing to ordain four men as permanent deacons. The archdiocesan publication introduced the candidates ahead of their ordination, highlighting their backgrounds and path to diaconal ministry. Permanent deacons in the Catholic Church can preach, baptize and witness marriages, often while maintaining secular careers and family life. Local Catholic readers are following the ordination as a milestone for the men and their parishes.
- 7
The Pope has called on the Catholic Church in France to find its voice in an increasingly secular society. The appeal, reported by Christian Today, addresses the challenge of remaining relevant and vocal amid declining religious observance and France's strict separation of church and state. The message is being noted by observers of religion in Europe.
- 8Bivocational pastors open up about the realities of their dual calling●FIRST-PERSON: What bivocational pastors wish you knew
Bivocational pastors—ministers who hold outside jobs while leading congregations—are speaking out about the demands of balancing secular employment with church leadership. Writing for Kentucky Today, one such pastor shares what these church leaders wish their congregations and communities understood: the financial pressures, time strains, and quiet sacrifices involved in serving two roles at once, and why their numbers keep growing across American churches.
- 9Medieval church relied on a forged imperial decree for centuries●The medieval world had its own ‘deepfakes’ – church officials cited a fake imperial decree for centuries
Historians are revisiting the Donation of Constantine, a forged imperial decree that medieval church officials cited for centuries to support papal authority over secular rulers. The document, now widely recognised as an eighth-century fabrication, functioned much like a modern deepfake, lending false legitimacy to claims of power until Renaissance scrutiny exposed it.
- 10Stitchie remembered for a legacy spanning dancehall and gospel●Stitchie: A legacy that connected dancehall, gospel Jamaica Observer https://www. jamaicaobserver.com/2026/09/29 /stitch
Tributes are flowing for Jamaican deejay Stitchie, remembered for a career that connected two worlds of Jamaican music. The entertainer, born Cleveland Laing, rose to prominence in dancehall before a widely followed conversion to Christianity that led him to become one of the leading voices in gospel reggae. Observers in Jamaica are reflecting on how his work bridged the secular and spiritual sides of the island's musical tradition.