Kresta in the Afternoon

The state of Israel was admitted to the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Ever since the state was founded, there has been debate over whether it should exist. The issue of “the Land” is central to Jewish identity and the Church respects the covenant between God and the Jewish people, but how does this relate to modern-day Israel? Andre Villeneuve joins us.

For several years now, leaders in the Methodist Church have debated whether to officially recognize same-sex marriages or ordain people who identify as LGBT. In late 2019, the church agreed to a compromise that would result in the more conservative congregations breaking away to form a new “Global Methodist Church.” After some delay due to the pandemic, the new congregation officially launched this month. We learn more about the story from Reverend Daniel Hixon.

Vladimir Putin has cited NATO expansion into Eastern Europe as one of the motivations for his invasion of Ukraine. But his actions may have provoked further expansion, as Finland and Sweden – two historically neutral countries – are expressing serious interest in joining NATO. We talk more with Luke Coffey.

Reports surfaced this morning that Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 90-year-old emeritus Bishop of Hong Kong, had been detained by Chinese authorities on “national security” charges. He was released on bail several hours later. Benedict Rogers of Hong Kong Watch has the details.

When we think of iconic American landmarks, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Lincoln Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, or the Grand Canyon. But have you ever thought of American Catholic landmarks? Kevin Schmiesing is our guest as we journey through American Catholic history and meet some of the people and places that made our country the place it is today.

Pope Francis recently commented that, when it comes to people experiencing same-sex attraction, “God doesn’t disown his children.” This is certainly true, and we must treat all people with love, but these simple platitudes don’t reflect the reality faced by pastors and engaged laity. Al discusses.

The Department of Health and Human Services is expected soon to issue regulations rolling back medical conscience protections and coercing unethical procedures that are harmful for patients. Louis Brown joins us with more.

Pro-abortion activists will be holding rallies across America this weekend, including at the University of Michigan Diag. You can be part of a counter-protest to make sure the voice of women and the unborn is heard. Monica Miller explains how.

The Nazis' extermination program was carried out in the name of eugenics - but they were by no means the only advocates of racial purification. Many of their laws were predated by similar efforts in the United States. Al discusses.

When most of us think of Marian apparitions, we rightfully think of the incredible events at Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe. But those are by no means the only Marian apparitions – they’ve happened all over the world and have had astounding theological, spiritual and geopolitical consequences. As we continue our celebration of the month of Mary, Dr. Mark Miravalle joins us with an in-depth look at how Mary has appeared to us throughout the centuries.