religion

United Nation of Islam, a quasi-religious group based in Kansas City, Kansas, was accused of forcing children to endure long, unpaid work days while living in crowded conditions with strict diets. Sentences for the six leaders range from five years of probation to 10 years in prison.

The Arkansas group Return to the Land, which explicitly bans Jews and non-whites from membership, is exploring the idea of expanding into the Springfield area. Both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders from the area spoke out against the plan.

The Satanic Grotto sought a permit at the Kansas Statehouse to protest "Christian favoritism within our state government." State officials say they denied the permit because of safety concerns, after the group's last protest ended with several arrests.

The once dominant road-trip stop now has about 60 franchise stores left, including one in rural Missouri that offers a vey different menu to the one Stuckey's is traditionally known for.

At issue was whether school systems are required to provide parents with an "opt-out" option when parents claim their religious beliefs conflict with their children's course material.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV lived in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1970s while studying to become a priest. He was in a parish near what is today the medical campus of St. Louis University

On Wednesday, cardinals — some of the highest-ranking clergy — will sequester to choose a new pope for the Catholic Church. Here's how the process works, and how it compares to the way it was depicted in the 2024 film "Conclave."

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, died Monday at age 88. Around the world and in Kansas City, Catholic faithful are mourning his loss.

Francis said: "Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" His voice sounded stronger than it has since his hospitalization. "Viva il Papa!" (Long live the pope), the crowd responded.

An Army chaplain during the Korean War, Father Emil Kapaun is likely years away from canonization as a saint. But interest in his life — and traffic to Pilsen, Kansas — is picking up.

The Satanic Grotto's protest was aimed at criticizing religious oppression in Kansas politics. But Gov. Laura Kelly had the Satanic Grotto's permit amended, and legislative leaders modified policy to target the group, saying the First Amendment didn't apply.

Missouri students would see the words “I AM THE LORD thy God” followed by the Ten Commandments posted in every public and charter school classroom they enter, under a bill sponsored by GOP state Sen. Jamie Burger. Faith leaders testified both in support of and against the proposal.