Women’s voices and votes loom large

Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, facing possible slew of abuse lawsuits, files for bankruptcy*
The Washington Post: The move blocks lawsuits allowed under a new state law that takes effect Sunday. Child sexual abuse survivors seeking damages will now have to file a claim through the bankruptcy case.
The Associated Press: Baltimore Archdiocese files for bankruptcy before law on abuse lawsuits takes effect

Women’s voices and votes loom large as pope is set to open a Vatican meeting on church’s future
The Associated Press: A few years ago, Pope Francis told the head of the main Vatican-backed Catholic women’s organization to be “brave” in pushing for change for women in the Catholic Church.

Anger grows over Ukraine’s largest Orthodox church, aligned with Moscow despite war
NPR: Government officials effectively banished clergy loyal to the Moscow patriarch from the most sacred parts of a nearby gold-domed monastery complex called the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

In an Israeli oasis, a model for peace, if messy and imperfect*
The New York Times: In a small village, Jews and Arabs have chosen to live side by side, share power and imagine a more hopeful future. But even here, the agonies of the conflict can’t be escaped entirely.

The largest Hindu temple on American soil will soon open its doors
Religion News Service: On Oct. 8, the temple will be open in a limited capacity following 12 years of labor from over 12,000 volunteers.