Breaking News

Jerome Socolovsky

Produced by Jerome Socolovsky

January 09, 2015
US Public Schools Face Dilemma Over Muslim Holidays

With Muslim minorities growing across nation, many are demanding equal attention to their religious observances on school calendars
January 09, 2015
US Public Schools Face Dilemma Over Muslim Holidays

As religious minorities grow across the United States, more are demanding that public schools close not just on Christmas and Easter, but also on their holidays. The issue has become a problem for many school boards, such as the one in Montgomery County, Maryland. VOA religion correspondent Jerome Socolovsky reports.
January 07, 2015
Group Warns of Eradication of Christians in Muslim Countries

An international missionary organization released its annual list of the worst countries for Christians to live in. As in past years, North Korea held the top spot. But as VOA religion correspondent Jerome Socolovsky reports, for the most part the greatest threat to Christians came from an extreme form of Islam.
January 07, 2015
Group Warns of Eradication of Christians in Muslim Countries

North Korea tops list as most intolerant country but spread of Islamic extremism presents unprecedented threat, missionary center says
December 29, 2014
Fear an Important Factor in Response to Ebola, IS Beheadings in 2014

Terrorist beheadings, the Ebola epidemic and illegal immigration were major headline-grabbing issues in the United States this year. That prompted commentators to wonder whether Americans have been overcome by fear. VOA’s Jerome Socolovsky takes a look back.
December 29, 2014
Fear an Important Factor, from Ebola to Beheadings

The outbreak of a deadly disease and a growing militant threat are causes for alarm, but the media may also have contributed to a 'pandemic of fear'
December 19, 2014
Cuba Deal is Major Victory for Pope’s Diplomatic Initiatives

Pope Francis played a key role in brokering the US-Cuba deal that was made public earlier this week. It is the most stunning success so far in a series of peacemaking efforts by the pontiff. VOA religion reporter Jerome Socolovsky has more.
December 19, 2014
Cuba Deal Is Major Victory for Pope

Role of Francis hailed throughout US, Latin America - though some Cuban-American Catholics have mixed feelings
December 17, 2014
Detained Turkish Journalists Follow Teachings of US-based Preacher

Government's raids on opposition media have sparked international condemnation and are being seen as an effort to undermine religious movement led by preacher Fethullah Gulen
November 27, 2014
Online Magazine Gets Kids Discussing Big Questions

Teen culture in America is often criticized for being superficial. But an online magazine has been encouraging some teenagers to explore deeper issues, and rewarding their efforts. VOA religion reporter Jerome Socolovsky went to this year’s Kidspirit awards ceremony in New York.
November 21, 2014
Gay Evangelicals Argue That Bible Does Not Condemn Homosexuality

Biblical passages dealing with homosexuality are central for evangelical Christians, but some now say they have been blown out of proportion
November 14, 2014
Washington's National Cathedral Hosts First Friday Muslim Prayers

A group of Muslims were invited to worship on Friday in the Washington National Cathedral. The hope was that an Islamic service in one of America’s best-known churches would send a message of interfaith harmony to counter extremists’ use of religion to justify hatred and strife. VOA Religion correspondent Jerome Socolovsky reports.
November 14, 2014
National Cathedral Holds Friday Muslim Prayers

Church leaders, Muslim partners hope first ever Jumaa prayers send message of interfaith brotherhood
October 28, 2014
Amish Country Bristles at American TV Portrayal

'Amish Mafia,' now in its 3rd season, and others claim to reveal community’s scandalous secrets
October 28, 2014
Amish Country Bristles at American TV Portrayal

Reality television has become enormously popular in America, with its celebration of scandal featuring non-actors who don’t follow scripts. And among the most successful shows are those that purport to be about the Amish, a minority religion that avoids the modern world. VOA religion reporter Jerome Socolovsky went to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and reports on allegations that the Amish are being defamed and exploited for commercial gain.
October 20, 2014
US ‘Death Cafes’ Put Focus on Finale

Hope is that talking about taboo topic will make last moments less terrifying to face
October 20, 2014
US ‘Death Cafes’ Put Focus on the Finale

In contemporary America, death usually is a topic to be avoided. But the growing “death café” movement encourages people to discuss their fears and desires about their final moments. VOA’s Jerome Socolovsky reports.
October 06, 2014
Critics of US Immigrant Detention Center Go In to Support Detainees

Around 34,000 undocumented immigrants are being held at detention centers around the U.S. Many have fled violence in Central America and have family here yet still face deportation. VOA’s Jerome Socolovsky went to one of the largest centers, where critics advocating its closure are trying to help the detainees inside
October 06, 2014
Critics of Immigrant Detention Center Meet Detainees

Non-profit sends volunteers to rural Georgia facility, one of the largest immigrant holding centers in US
September 15, 2014
Middle Eastern Church Leaders Highlight Christians’ Plight

Patriarchs of Eastern Rite churches met with President Barack Obama on Thursday at the close of a summit that drew attention to attacks against Christians in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. VOA's Jerome Socolovsky reports.

XS

SM

MD

LG