Where Belief Meets Story: 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing

Stories shape us. They spark imagination, deepen empathy, and open windows into the mystery of belief. At the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing, you’ll experience three unforgettable days where readers, writers, and seekers gather to explore how words illuminate the world and our place within it. More than just a literary conference, the Festival of Faith & Writing is designed to foster meaningful dialogue across diverse perspectives, offering an array of lectures, readings, conversations, and performances. Sessions are presented by both emerging and long-celebrated storytellers from various mediums—including books, podcasts, journalism, and film—who explore matters of faith with creativity and insight. The 2026 speaker roster includes Laurie Halse Anderson, Scott Erickson, Ross Gay, Karina Yan Glaser, Eliza Griswold, Astead Herndon, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Ariel Lawhon, Nicholas Ma, Hillary McBride, Andrew Peterson, Neal Shusterman, Barbara Brown Taylor, and dozens more. There’s truly something for everyone at the Festival. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary community—curious minds and creative voices eager to swap stories, discover new favorites, and celebrate the power of words together. Register today Whether you’re a reader, writer, teacher, student, or simply someone who can’t resist a good story, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of kindred spirits at this biennial celebration.

Copyright (C) 2026 RNS. All rights reserved.

Religion News Service - A conversation on faith, community, and divided America

We’re inviting you to our first virtual event of 2026, a timely conversation about faith, community, and polarization. The Vanishing Church: How Polarization Is Reshaping American Faith Tuesday, January 20 | 12 p.m. Eastern Register Now We’re starting the new year by looking at something many Americans are feeling: the strain on connection and community in a divided time. Faith communities have long been places where people with different perspectives could gather and build relationships. Today, those spaces look different, and understanding why offers important context into the moment we’re living in. Join Adelle M. Banks, RNS projects editor and national reporter, for a conversation with social scientist Ryan Burge, whose research examines how polarization intersects with American religious life. His new book, “The Vanishing Church,” examines how political polarization has changed congregational life over the past several decades. He’ll share insights from it as we explore what polarization means for congregations, community life, and our shared civic landscape. This event is free, but registration is required to attend. We hope you’ll join us on Jan. 20! —Your friends at Religion News Service

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Yonat Shimron: Reporting is how I learn about the world

Donate Now! Growing up, RNS journalist Yonat Shimron was always a reader, her nose stuck in a book — at recess, in the car, and late at night under the pillow.  At one point, she realized maybe she could tell a story, too. Lucky for us, she started with nonfiction —   journalism. She explains that it felt like an honor to tell someone else’s story, as well as an awesome responsibility to do so fairly and accurately.  All spring, we’ve been Celebrating the Storytellers at RNS – the journalists who bring you news about faith, spirituality, and culture that shapes our world. As a regular reader, we know hearing from many voices is important to you, and that’s why we’re hearing today from Yonat on how she approaches this work:     How does storytelling impact your life?  “Writing stories is the main way I learn about the world. There’s nothing like interviewing multiple people and then writing a news story to help me understand what’s going on in the world around me. My reporting and my writing help me stay informed and allow me to wrestle on a deeper level with the issues around me. It’s also opened my heart and made me feel more invested in people’s lives and in their struggles.”    How have you seen stories connect people and cultures?  “One of America’s most respected rabbis, Sharon Brous, recently wrote a book that draws on Jewish ritual and practice but may resonate just as powerfully for Christians, Muslims and people of no faith. I interviewed Brous about her book, called “The Amen Effect,” which suggests the antidote to the plague of loneliness and isolation is compassion and community. The book is a kind of meditation on the importance of “showing up” — in good times and bad — to say ‘amen,’ essentially, an expression of solidarity.”    Revisiting a Passover story    “This year, Passover falls on Earth Day (April 22), and I’ll be remembering a story I wrote about Rabbi Ellen Bernstein, who wrote a beautiful Haggadah, called “The Promise of the Land.” This Haggadah, a retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, reminds Jews of the origin of Passover as a springtime harvest festival of thanksgiving that connects all living creatures to the Earth and to their responsibility to care for it. Rabbi Bernstein died just a few months ago but I’ll be thinking of her as the founding mother of the Jewish environmental movement.” This connection through independent journalism is only possible with your support. We ask that you make a commitment to a monthly donation of $10. That works out to only a quarter per newsletter!  Your gift today ensures stories of inspiration and encouragement for tomorrow. Can we count on your support?

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Celebrate the Storytellers

As the month of Ramadan begins, we’re reminded of how crucial stories are in all faith traditions. From parables of prophets to timeless tales found in holy books, stories serve as powerful instruments for teaching wisdom.  Ramadan is a month of spiritual rejuvenation, a period of fasting and prayer. It is also a time for connection with family and friends and sharing personal stories. Our stories help us see our shared humanity and reaffirm our commitment to others. Below is a selection of Ramadan stories by RNS storytellers.    Jerusalem Palestinians prepare for Ramadan amid holy month’s uneasy politics Ramadan fasting isn’t about hunger. It’s about living mindfully. Why Ramadan is called Ramadan: 6 questions answered When making exceptions for Ramadan is no longer the exception US soccer leagues add game breaks for players fasting during Ramadan Muslim holidays find welcome from mainstream retailers with new Ramadan goods In the coming weeks, RNS will enter a period of crucial fundraising. We hope you consider making a gift to help sustain the efforts of our writers, correspondents, columnists, and photographers. Together, let’s honor and Celebrate the Storytellers!

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