Monthly Archives: August 2014
“One Generation Away” Shines Light on the Erosion of Religious Liberty in America
By Religion News LLC — August 28, 2014
Franklin, Tennessee, August 28, 2014 – At a time when religious liberty and persecution are appearing in the headlines daily,EchoLight Studios’ “One Generation Away: The Erosion of Religious Liberty in America,” will world premier in churches and universities across America between September 1 – November 15, 2014. (http://onegenerationawaymovie.com/) One of the most pressing issues confronting […]
Quote of the Day: Letter to President Obama from religious leaders
By Yonat Shimron — August 28, 2014
“While the dire plight of Iraqi civilians should compel the international community to respond in some way, U.S. military action is not the answer … There are better, more effective, more healthy and more humanizing ways to protect civilians and to engage this conflict.” — Letter to President Obama signed by 53 religious leaders, academics and ministers urging […]
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly listings – August 29
By Religion News LLC — August 28, 2014
Religion & Ethics NewsWeeklyis a production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Visit www.pbs.org/religionandethics for additional information. Show #1752 will be fed over PBS at 5:00 p.m. EST on August 29 (check local listings). Probation for Profit – In many jurisdictions in the U.S., courts appoint private for-profit probation companies to collect fines and oversee the conduct […]
3 key messages from Elder Ballard on men, women, and Mormon priesthood
By Jana Riess — August 28, 2014
It’s clear from the picture Elder Ballard paints of ward councils that while many words of value might be applied to women there – assistant, helper, supporter, or deputy, for example – “equal” is not among them.
Political correctness about Muslims may have led UK officials to ignore reports of sex abuse
By Trevor Grundy — August 28, 2014
CANTERBURY (RNS) Police and government officials turned a blind eye to reports that teenage girls were sexually abused because of fear that, if widely known, they would stir up anti-Muslim feelings in Britain.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Did they have an atheist wedding?
By Chris Stedman — August 28, 2014
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are among the most famous atheists in the world. But to many people, the idea of a nontheistic wedding is still entirely alien.
Judge finalizes order finding polygamy law unconstitutional; victory for ‘Sister Wives’
By Nate Carlisle — August 28, 2014
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) Attorney General Sean Reyes has said he would appeal the federal court ruling that found the law against polygamy was unconstitutional.
Catholic Church must welcome ‘unconventional couples,’ says top Italian bishop
By Josephine McKenna — August 28, 2014
ROME (RNS) The speech by Bishop Nunzio Galantino, an ally of Pope Francis, is the latest salvo in a debate that is heating up ahead of an October meeting of the world's top bishops to discuss the church's policies toward today's families.
Pastors’ letter on Mark Driscoll: Step down from all aspects of ministry and leadership
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 28, 2014
(RNS) "This is without a doubt, the most abusive, coercive ministry culture I’ve ever been involved with,” former Mars Hill pastor Paul Tripp said.
‘Step down’: Full text of Mars Hill pastors’ letter to Mark Driscoll
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 28, 2014
(RNS) The letter is perhaps the most significant to date, as the pastors represent the backbone of the church.
Despite trolls, hate, and lies, we still need online anonymity
By Brian Pellot — August 28, 2014
Yes, online anonymity can breed and foster deception, hatred, and incivility. But without it we risk silencing voices that desperately need to be heard.
Polygamy ruling * Amish beards * Deceptive animals: Thursday’s Roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 28, 2014
A federal judge issued a final ruling in a polygamy case. An appeals court overturned the hate-crime convictions of 16 Amish in beard-cutting attacks. Plus, some animals are being deceptive.
Quote of the Day: Robert P. George
By Yonat Shimron — August 27, 2014
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to the need to send American troops. But if it does, we’re going to have to stop them. We’re going to have to fight them somewhere. Do we want to fight them in New York? Or in Washington, D.C.? Terrorist attacks? Or should we fight them and defeat them in […]
US Muslims ask John Kerry for protection on Mecca pilgrimage
By Lauren Markoe — August 27, 2014
(RNS) After last year's attack on U.S. citizens in Mecca, a coalition is petitioning the State Department to better protect pilgrims who undertake the Muslim hajj.
Polish diplomat raises extradition for Vatican official accused of sex abuse
By Josephine McKenna — August 27, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Poland’s ambassador to the Holy See has forcefully condemned the alleged sexual abuse of children by a Polish-born former archbishop and Vatican diplomat, and said Warsaw is considering a fresh request to extradite Jozef Wesolowski to face trial in his homeland.
