Monthly Archives: July 2014
Ground Zero cross can stay at 9/11 museum, appeals court rules
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 28, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) Atheists said they suffered from both physical and emotional damages from the presence of the beamed cross at the official 9/11 museum, resulting in headaches, indigestion and mental pain.
Quote of the Day: Famhan Condé of Koundony, Guinea
By Ron Ribiat — July 28, 2014
“We’re all scared here. There’s no solution. We can do nothing. Only God can save us.” — Famhan Condé, digging a grave for his half-sister, Marie, who died of an Ebola outbreak. Locals have become fearful of aid workers and doctors who they suspect of spreading the disease. He was quoted by The New York Times.
Pope Francis apologizes for persecution of Pentecostals
By Josephine McKenna — July 28, 2014
CASERTA, Italy (RNS) “I am the shepherd of the Catholics and I ask you to forgive my Catholic brothers and sisters who did not understand and were tempted by the devil," Pope Francis told an Italian Pentecostal pastor.
COMMENTARY: The death penalty is never humane, even when carried out swiftly
By James Alan Fox — July 28, 2014
(RNS) I am concerned about relentless efforts to make the administration of capital punishment streamlined, straightforward, and simple. It should never be easy to kill a person.
Quick approval in order for Saperstein as religious freedom ambassador
By Mark Silk — July 28, 2014
No one comes close to having the qualifications of the longtime head of Reform Judaism's policy shop.
Doctor from Samaritan’s Purse catches lethal Ebola virus
By Larry Copeland — July 28, 2014
(RNS) The Ebola epidemic in the West African nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea has caused more than 670 deaths and more than 1,000 infections, according to the World Health Organization.
Rabbi David Saperstein tapped as first non-Christian to serve as U.S. ambassador for religious freedom
By Lauren Markoe — July 28, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) A Reform rabbi and lawyer, Saperstein, 66, has led the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism for 40 years, and has spent his career in Washington, focusing on social justice and religious freedom issues.
Ebola outbreak * Eid Mubarak * Wedding decline: Monday’s Roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — July 28, 2014
A doctor working with Samaritan's Purse in Liberia tested positively for Ebola. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr ending Ramadan has begun. And Catholic Church weddings have declined 40% between 2000 and 2012.
NYPD Muslim surveillance should concern atheists, too
By Chris Stedman — July 28, 2014
If atheists are going to demand equal rights—and we should—we should also be prepared to advocate for the rights of other groups, regardless of whether or not we agree with them on the subject of God. Anything less is hypocritical.
Puppies, like kids, make love and duty a package deal
By Rachel Marie Stone — July 26, 2014
I didn't overflow with love for our new puppy at first. I just wanted to keep her alive. And that was enough.
COMMENTARY: Obscure no more, world’s first woman rabbi receives recognition
By A. James Rudin — July 25, 2014
(RNS) Rabbi Regina Jonas' grim task was to meet the incoming trains and provide counseling to the frightened and bewildered Jews arriving at the Theresienstadt concentration camp.
How would God react to the destruction of Jonah’s tomb?
By Mark Silk — July 25, 2014
With a certain amused satisfaction, I suspect.
Arabic Twitter avatar illustrates #WeAreN solidarity with Iraqi Christians
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — July 25, 2014
(RNS) It's the symbol for "Nazarene," or Christian, used by Islamists in Iraq to brand Christian properties as part of their effort to drive out an ancient Christian community.
Pope Francis is coming to Philadelphia – but where else will he visit?
By David Gibson — July 25, 2014
(RNS) “Pope Francis has told me that he is coming,” Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput said Thursday before delivering a homily at a Mass in Fargo, N.D.
#WeAreN: What the media misses about Iraqi Christian persecution
By Jonathan Merritt — July 25, 2014
An American living in Iraq says the media is overlooking the nationalistic aspirations of Iraqi Christian communities. He adds that U.S. evangelicals share blame for the current crisis.
