Recent content from Jean Hopfensperger
Religious exemptions pose new challenges to COVID vaccine mandates
As employer mandates grow, rising number seek religious exemptions.
COVID-19 has changed the way we worship, faith leaders say
Adaptations such as Zoom services and digital donations are here to stay.
Kenneth Schoen, national leader in criminal justice reform, dies
A tribute posted on the Minnesota Department of Corrections Facebook page called him "The Father of Community Corrections."
![In South St. Paul, Minnesota on September 6, 2021, at St. Augustine Church, Father Robert Grabner headed into the Sacristy with the four altar boys. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Q32O7NTHXDCSFP6TMLL33HIQPU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Pope's crackdown on Latin masses draws mixed response among Minnesota Catholics
The phenomena has developed in few nations besides the United States, said one scholar, who called Francis' order the most significant of his papacy.
3 pastors leave Minneapolis megachurch amid 'painful and confusing moment'
The tensions at Bethlehem reflect the fractures rocking the nation's evangelical Christian community amid racial reckoning and the MeToo movement.
'Angels Unawares' sculpture, commissioned by Pope Francis, arrives at Basilica of St. Mary
Dramatic life-size sculpture depicts immigrant experience, with life-size men, women and children packed into an boat. A pair of angel wings rise above the group.
'Angels Unawares' sculpture, commissioned by Pope Francis, arrives at Basilica of St. Mary
Dramatic life-size sculpture depicts immigrant experience, with life-size men, women and children packed into an boat. A pair of angel wings rise above the group.
Minnesota's last survivor of Holocaust children's rescue offers lesson in history
Benno Black boarded a train 82 years ago to an unknown future.
Minnesota's last survivor of Holocaust children's rescue offers lesson in history
Benno Black boarded a train 82 years ago to an unknown future.
Historic northeast Mpls. church gutted by fire holding fundraiser for demolition
The congregation hopes its fundraiser Saturday will cover the cost of demolition and provide seed money for the future.
Sister Joan Tuberty, spiritual leader and psychiatric nurse, dies at 92
An academic with a master's degree in psychiatric and nursing education, Tuberty carried her book learning to the inner city of Minneapolis where she worked for nearly 25 years.
Most Minnesota bishops decline to reveal vote on communion draft
The decision of U.S. Catholic bishops to draft a new document on communion, a move rooted in distress over President Joe Biden's abortion rights stance, continues to stoke a heated national debate.
Local priest honored for global peacemaking from Vietnam to Minnesota
The Rev. Harry Bury, once held hostage as a "human shield", now works for nonviolence in Minnesota.
'Communion wars' take center stage at Catholic bishops meeting
Bishops will consider whether to ban pro-abortion rights Catholic politicians from receiving communion.
Once a leap of faith, temple serves Twin Cities' growing Hindu community
In 15 years, the Hindu Society of Minnesota temple in Maple Grove has become a religious, social and cultural center for the state's 50,000 Hindus.
Minnesota Hindu temple marks 15 years along with the growth of Twin Cities' once tiny Hindu community
In 15 years, the Hindu Society of Minnesota temple in Maple Grove has become a religious, social and cultural center for the state's 50,000 Hindus.
Archdiocese says former official 'failed' to protect kids from abuse
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said the Rev. Kevin McDonough is "fit for ministry" but will bar him from leadership positions involving the protection of children.
More Americans are losing their religion: 'How do we compete with secular culture?'
Faith leaders face challenges as just 47% of Americans are members of a church, synagogue or mosque, a Gallup poll finds.
Polish church in Minneapolis gutted by fire 'concentrating on healing'
A small, close-knit church seeks healing and a way forward after a devastating fire.
Minnesota bishop resigns at pope's request after abuse coverup
Bishop is first in U.S. disciplined under new Vatican policies.
St. Catherine's inquiry backs sexual misconduct claims against composer David Hass, recommends changes
University officials said they plan to strengthen sexual behavior protocols.
From Minnesota to Italy: Rare fresco project spotlights biblical women
Fresco of biblical women starts in Minnesota, destined for church outside Rome
Winona-Rochester Diocese reaches $21.5 million settlement with abuse victims
Settlement must be approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
More drums, fewer choirs as 'vibrant' church styles rise in popularity
More churches are adopting informal and enthusiastic worship, including guitars, dancing, even applause.
Black pastor takes stand against Southern Baptist race statement
Black pastors say seminary leaders undid progress.
'Shark Tank for Churches' is launched in Twin Cities
Entrants vie for $200K from church to develop companies or social services
Pandemic forces churches to reimagine Christmas services, pageants
Many churches launched online services last spring, never imagining they would have to concoct a new universe of virtual holiday choirs, children's pageants, Advent wreath-lightings and more.
Minn. chaplains are adapting to the new COVID-19 calling
Chaplains of all faiths are quietly providing another dimension of support to Minnesota's COVID patients, their families and often medical staff.
Bankruptcy court approves St. Cloud Diocese plan for sex abuse victims
Victims of priest sex abuse would receive $22.5 million.
Minnesota churches launch 10-year plan for racial healing, reparations
The Minnesota Council of Churches, leveraging its 25 denominations with more than 1 million members, prioritizes path to "truth and reparation."
Carleton Professor Sy Schuster, trailblazer for diversity, dies at 94
The accomplished math professor, mentor and social justice activist died just days after contracting COVID-19.
Minnesota faith leaders pray for peace for Armenian people
Civilians, soldiers among casualties of Azerbaijan shelling in a bloody conflict over disputed territory.
'Too much death': All Saints' Day has new resonance for many
The remembrance rituals of All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, marked this week, have taken on particular poignancy as the faithful mourn not just the deaths of loved ones, but the loss of more than 225,000 Americans from COVID-19.
Catholic composer Haas' sexual misconduct report alleges 44 victims in 41 years
Women describe decades of sexual misconduct by church musician.
Pope's civil union comments stir up Minnesota Catholics on both sides of issue
Gay Catholics say he should go further; traditionalists are irked.
People of Praise, Barrett's small faith community, has deep roots in Minnesota
A tiny faith group that shaped the life of Amy Coney Barrett has its largest chapter in Minnesota.
Trump, Biden court Minnesota's Catholic vote
Biden, Trump focus on the wide swath of religious voters.
Minnesota priest who says COVID-19 is a scam told to halt such preaching
But the Rev. Robert Altier still insists the pandemic is a "lie.''
George Burbie, longtime social work leader, dies at 75
He oversaw a team in the employee assistance program at Ceridian Corp., and also worked as a nonprofit consultant, his wife said.
Twin Cities Jewish community has grown by 23% since 2004
Strong economy, interfaith marriages and new migration drive trend.
Two renegade priests deny COVID, condemn Democrats
Catholic priests — all faith leaders — are supposed to steer clear of endorsing political leaders, at minimum from the pulpit. But the two incendiary speeches reveal that the country's polarized political climate is drifting through some church doors.
Priest accused of child sex abuse was allowed at Minn. Catholic music camp
More fallout from the abuse reports against David Haas, one of the nation's most popular composers of Catholic liturgical music.
Faith groups grapple with economic fallout of COVID-19
In-person donations have shrunk or evaporated. While online donations have jumped, faith leaders worry that could dwindle.
Popular Catholic composer accused of sexual misconduct
David Haas, who worked at Benilde-St. Margaret, St. Paul Seminary and St. Catherine's, has been accused of sexual misconduct toward multiple young women who studied with him over the years.
In Minnesota, mutual aid groups surge in wake of Floyd death
Mutual aid societies revived to help with riot losses, pandemic
New Ulm bishop resigns, citing health reasons
The Rev. John LeVoir oversaw the diocese during sexual abuse lawsuits and bankruptcy.
Twin Cities Black clergy hope to seize power of the moment
A group of Twin Cities Black pastors has been discussing a proposal with Gov. Tim Walz to create a Minnesota "social compact" that would forge new investments and public policies to begin erasing racial inequities.
Minnesota's 30 Days of Prayer seeks spiritual insights into police, political problems
30 Days of Prayer encourages people to grieve "multiple layers of trauma."
'Crisis mode chaplains' seek to heal trauma of Floyd's death
More than 100 Minnesota faith leaders have fanned out at events ranging from State Capitol protests to food distributions to a Juneteenth celebration. They serve as compassionate listeners, helping hands and tension diffusers in stressful situations.
Mpls. nonprofit to give surprise boost to Lake Street businesses
Urban Ventures pivots from food relief to business stipends and more to help replenish, repair and rebuild.
American Indian patrol in Minneapolis credited with saving buildings during violence
Community groups offer thanks to American Indian patrols that saved more than 20 businesses and nonprofits from protest violence.
Exhausted Minneapolis citizen patrols still wary, but seek a calmer path forward
A week out from the height of the violence, a fragile calm is descending as neighbors reach for a new normal.
In Minneapolis, a quiet army of generosity gains strength
The sheer scope of support, pouring in from Minnesota and the nation, has surprised and relieved exhausted Minneapolis communities.
Minnesota churches reopen this weekend with excitement, questions in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
Many Minnesotans relish a return to church, while others still unsure of safety.
Minnesota churches open for first time since March 18
While any group could open its doors, Catholics had the advantage because they tend to have daily services.
Trump's threat intensifies tensions over reopening places of worship in Minnesota
Catholic leaders and Gov. Tim Walz met again Friday but made no announcement about reaching common ground.
Minnesota church groups divided on Gov. Walz's orders
Minnesota's Catholic archbishop says churches can be reopened safely while others stepped forward in support of refraining from moving too quickly.
Tom Johnson, St. Paul Archdiocese clergy abuse ombudsman, steps down
Volunteer post, required by clergy abuse settlement, will be held by his wife, Victoria Newcome Johnson.
Minn. priest, composer of 'On Eagle's Wings,' pens viral hymn for COVID-19
The Rev. Michael Joncas hopes his new song will bring comfort.
St. Paul Archdiocese has strong protection policies, review finds
Archdiocese has policies among best in nation but they have room for improvement, according to findings released by the Ramsey County Attorney's Office.
After tackling suburban poverty for Interfaith Outreach for 40 years, director steps down
LaDonna Hoy gained a reputation as a tireless advocate who got things done.
Religion doesn't buffer young adults from loneliness
Attending services doesn't protect against isolation, survey of youth ages 13-25 finds.
Ramadan call to prayers broadcast as Muslims pray at home
That's just one of several reasons why this Ramadan celebration is unlike any past one in the Twin Cities.
![Richard Tsong-Taatarii/rtsong-taatarii@startribune.com Minneapolis, MN;12/14/10;left to right ] In the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, there are several](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/O7WTY5ZLDAXXWIN2LBZ3ELQX2E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast in Cedar-Riverside neighborhood
The first broadcast in Minnesota will run through Ramadan holy days.
