religion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been building more temples over the past decade. A new one under construction in Wichita will open later this year.

Missouri schools will be required to outline prohibited antisemitic behavior in their codes of conduct. Most opposition came from Democrats who voiced concerns the bill would discourage debate about conflict in the Middle East.

Debate is growing among Catholics in Kansas City and beyond after President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, and shared an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus.

The legislation underwent major changes in the Senate, including new reporting requirements for all forms of discrimination. But some House Democrats still dissented, saying it will discourage discussion about the Middle East.

A Missouri bill would forbid state and local governments from restricting religious services during a state health emergency.

The Missouri House passed over 20 bills on Thursday, sending most of them to the Senate. It is unclear how many of them will make it to Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Supporters say the bill would expand placement options for children in state custody, while critics worry it could shelter bad actors — following years of abuse allegations at unlicensed boarding schools in Missouri.

Many of the area’s faith communities are making detailed plans to ensure that everyone has religious support while they’re here. Large congregations are also working on unique ways to connect with the World Cup.

Bills proposed by Republican legislators in Missouri include posting the 10 Commandments in classrooms, history lessons that frame religion in a positive light and allowing students to leave school for religious education.

House Bill 2352 adds ordained ministers to a list including social workers, doctors, emergency medical workers and others to the list of those required to report physical, mental or emotional abuse of children.

Abortion is Murder, a Christian group known for protesting with graphic signs, was permitted to protest inside the Kansas Statehouse just a few months after the Satanic Grotto was blocked from doing the same. The group says it is planning a counterprotest.

"We're talking about constitutional rights in someone's dying moments," one advocate said.