NEWS STORY
RNS-Jewish-Nationality: American Jews divided over Trump executive order expanding definition of Judaism
(RNS) — President Trump’s new executive order directing the government to consider Judaism a race and a nationality — in addition to a religion — met with mixed reviews among American Jews, mostly along partisan lines. By Yonat Shimron. 800 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Malick-Film: In ‘Hidden Life’, Terrence Malick says freedom is won in standing up for beliefs
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Inside the Vatican’s small movie theater on Dec. 4, the famously reclusive director screened his latest film, the real-life tale of a farmer in Nazi-occupied Austria who, in light of his Catholic faith, refused to swear loyalty to Hitler. By Claire Giangrave’. 900 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Newseum-Religion: Newseum closing but Religious Freedom Center programs to continue elsewhere
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The nation’s capital is about to have one less museum — the Newseum closes Dec. 31 — but the Religious Freedom Center that was housed there will continue operations. By Adelle M. Banks. 600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Mary-Feastday: As the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe approaches, the Virgin Mary inspires community
(RNS) — The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe falls on Dec. 12. This day, according to Catholic teaching, marks the appearance of Mary to St. Juan Diego, an indigenous man, on a hillside near Mexico City in 1531. The day is honored with a number of Masses and other festivities, including a procession in Riverside where several hundred walk 2.5 miles and hike up Mt. Rubidoux where they have Mass atop the mountain. By Alejandra Molina. 931 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
(RNS)-Luke-Putney: Luke Putney testifies to the healing power of music, helping others
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Aspiring Nashville musician Luke Putney hopes to help others while recovering from a brain tumor and stroke that left him unable to walk and play his guitar or bass. Earlier this fall, he walked a modified marathon – a mile a day for 26 days – to raise money for his charity, which helps provide funds for music therapy.
By Bob Smietana. 1400 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Arriaga-Oped: Reforming USCIRF to death
(RNS) — Congress will soon decide whether the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom changes its mission, remains “as is” or disappears altogether. The most recent proposal to curtail its proven ability to act boldly and independently would be a fate worse than death. By Kristina Arriaga. 1,100 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Riess-Oped: Postcards from the Protestant decline in America
(RNS) — Visiting the Presbyterian church in Illinois where we got married many years ago, my husband and I encountered not just the decline of mainline Protestantism, but how little its dwindling congregations know what to do about it. By Jana Riess. 900 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Salkin-Oped: To the Jews who applauded Trump
(RNS) — In remarks to the Israeli American Council this weekend, Trump used anti-Semitic themes and the Jewish audience loved it. Those who defended the president and the Jews who applauded should be ashamed. By Jeffrey Salkin. 1,025 words. (category: k)