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Need to know: Monday, January 9, 2017
New Jersey’s first cardinal evokes Pope Francis as he takes helm in Newark
In his homily at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Cardinal Joseph Tobin declared that the church “is neither an elite club nor static container of truth.”
Pope Francis condemns ‘homicidal madness’ of ‘fundamentalist’ terrorism
The pontiff told diplomats that religion was being used as a pretext for the “rejection, marginalization and violence” that had inspired brutal attacks in the past year.
Major Christian group condemns Trump’s cabinet picks, policy agenda
In a statement, the National Council of Churches calls President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks “morally inconsistent with Christian principles.”
Reactions to gospel preacher on LGBT issues reveal split among black churches
More than 1 million people watched Kim Burrell rail against “that perverted homosexual spirit” in a controversial sermon clip that has sparked ongoing backlash from LGBT advocates.
New head of Catholic Relief Services wants to be a beacon of light in dark places
“One of the things that we do is bring that message from overseas, that they’re not alone, that there are people that care about them,” said Sean Callahan, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services.
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Latest news from RNS
Pope says he will not increase security on travels despite risks
(Reuters) Unlike his predecessors, who used bulletproof popemobiles or limousines, Pope Francis uses ordinary cars on international trips.
At least four dead in Palestinian truck attack in Jerusalem
(Reuters) It was the deadliest Palestinian attack in Jerusalem in months and targeted officer cadets as they disembarked from a bus that brought them to the Armon Hanatziv promenade.
In emotional farewell speech, Michelle Obama praises diversity
(Reuters) 'Our glorious diversity - our diversities of faiths and colors and creeds - that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are,' Michelle Obama said.
Austrian minister calls for headscarf ban for public servants
(Reuters) But Christian crosses, widespread in staunchly Catholic Austria, should be allowed in classrooms, he said, referring to the country's 'historically grown culture.'
Army: Soldiers can wear turbans, beards, hijabs
WASHINGTON (RNS) Sikh Americans hailed the decision, which they have sought for years.
More views from RNS
Why Nat Hentoff matters
Nat Hentoff -- jazz writer, First Amendment activist -- had the profound ability to change his mind.
What should Rabbi Hier say at the inauguration?
Rabbi Hier: my prayer will have "a 21st century ring to it." We don't need 21st century. We need 8th century BCE -- Amos and Isaiah.
Lessons learned from Huston Smith’s exploration of religious experience
(RNS) During his life, Smith came to believe that people turn to religion the way sunflowers bend in the direction of the light.
Playmobil’s Luther v. the Jews?
There’s a strong sense in Germany that when it comes to Martin Luther, anti-Semitism is not something you can afford to ignore, writes RNS columnist Mark Silk.
Many sightings of hope
“We do not know enough about the future to be absolutely pessimistic.”
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Bonus tracks
- Jeff Sessions needs a Sunday school lesson on immigration
- Americans — not just liberals — have a religious literacy problem
- It’s harder than ever to teach Islamic art — but never more important
- Celebrities to gather for reading of Elie Wiesel’s ‘Night’
- Buddha branding is everywhere – but what do Buddhists think?
