The Vatican announced plans to make it easier for disaffected Anglicans to convert to Catholicism. Cardinal William Levada, head of the Vatican's doctrinal office, said new structures will be created to accommodate growing numbers of Anglicans who want to leave

A new report says many more Americans are living in poverty than previously thought. The National Academy of Science said that last year more than 47 million Americans—nearly one in six—were living in poverty. That's seven million more than the

In Washington, religious leaders gathered outside the Capitol to call for health care reform. Several held an interfaith service to remember Americans who died because they lacked health insurance. The pastors told stories of people who couldn't afford necessary care,

In New Orleans, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's 275 million Orthodox Christians, began a three-week visit to the United States. Bartholomew, who is known as a champion of environmental causes, was the keynote speaker at a conference

This Sunday (October 25) Protestants mark Reformation Day. It commemorates Martin Luther's defiance of the Catholic Church by nailing 95 theses to a church door challenging all comers to debate. Luther's protest launched the Protestant Reformation.

Watch National Catholic Reporter senior correspondent John L. Allen Jr. and Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly managing editor Kim Lawton discuss the Roman Catholic Church's plan to absorb unhappy Anglicans wishing to become Catholics.

Doctors who pray with patients and family members "puts a sense of comfort in you," says Chris Barkley. "Normally, doctors don't do that, and it makes people feel closer to the doctor. You want them to care just as much

She started a support group for women with emotional problems and histories of sexual abuse, and she wants to earn degrees in social work and theological studies to help others like them.

Listen to this week's show.