The Spokesman-Review

Pope Francis’ declaration this week allowing priests to bless same-sex couples is being hailed in Spokane as a shift by advocates of softening the church’s doctrine on the issue while more conservative faith leaders are quick to point out the gulf between blessings and more formal and unchanged rules regarding ceremonies such as marriage.

Hundreds of Gonzaga students gathered on Thursday to call for a statement from university officials, urging a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and condemning violence of the Israeli government against civilians in Gaza.

Last week, Gerber-Rockstrom launched a petition on Change.org because she wants to make the intentional killing of a law enforcement officer a hate crime.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary have finalized the sale of their former convent and some of their land on Fort George Wright Drive to Catholic Charities after first releasing details about the deal in January.

Pastor Tim Remington, who has helped hundreds of alcoholics and drug addicts in his ministry, was shot just before 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the church at 901 E. Best Ave., according to Coeur d’Alene police.

Jan Martinez – founder of Christ Kitchen in Spokane, a place where women in poverty earn money, dignity and respect – loves the Samaritan woman.