TGIF? Perhaps the weekend will bring lighter news. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know:
President Obama and National Security Advisor Susan Rice met with a delegation of Christian religious leaders from the Middle East. The leaders discussed the plight of Christians in the Middle East and the challenges they face across the region from the rise of extremism.
As Ebola continues to rip through Liberia, one church has lost its “prayer warrior.” Meanwhile, the missionary doctor Kent Brantly, who recovered from Ebola in a U.S. hospital, has given blood to an Ebola patient from Nebraska.
At least 5,000 people have died in Central African Republic Christian-Muslim violence since December.
Who knew the Catholic church has a special prayer for cars (and safe driving)? Evidently, Belgians. Wall Street Journal travels to Scherpenheuval’s basilica where Belgians come daily to have their cars blessed by a priest.
Polarizing Christian athlete Tim Tebow will be joining Good Morning America.
Bill Maher, who has an HBO LIVE special tonight, throws punches at Muslims — again. “Muslim people get it the hardest — as they should,” he says on his way to slamming Hamas as immoral.
The actor who played “Jaws” in some James Bond movies has died. He turned to God when he was battling alcoholism.
Mark Oppenheimer says there is a plague of misogyny in the atheist community.
Is it racist for Hollywood to feature white casts in Biblical epics? Discuss.
David Brooks compares President Obama to biblical leaders like Moses, David and Paul. Discuss.
More from RNS:
US churches feel beat of change: More diversity, more drums
Ted Cruz booed off the stage when he touts Israel-Christian solidarity
Arkansas State removing cross decal from football helmets
Finally, here’s the selfie of the day:
…and this as the second #selfie ever to be taken w/ #PopeBenedict. This one by Italian Fr Sebastiano Sequino pic.twitter.com/o15IaGiwI7
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) September 12, 2014