NEWS STORY
RNS-Peter-Held: Rachel Held Evans’ father on his daughter’s final days and the ongoing impact of her life
DAYTON, Tenn. (RNS) — It’s been a year and a half since Rachel Held Evans, a popular author and blogger died, at age 37, after a brief illness. The loss stunned her followers and friends: How could this outspoken and treasured voice be so suddenly silenced? In an exclusive interview with RNS, Evans’ father, Peter Held, opens up about her final days and the ongoing impact of her life and work. By Maina Mwaura. 1,186 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-USCCB-Biden: Catholic bishops broadcast mixed messages about Biden’s victory
(RNS) — American Catholic bishops are sending mixed messages about the election of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States, with the head of the U.S. bishops conference taking a more cautious tone over time despite initially congratulating the president-elect on his victory. By Jack Jenkins. 866 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Progressives-Biden: Religious left leaders vow to keep pressing agenda
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As they prepare for the inauguration of Joe Biden, liberal-leaning faith-based activists who thrived while demonstrating against President Trump are strategizing with how to enact their agendas under a more friendly administration and wrestling with how to keep their momentum. By Jack Jenkins. 1,200 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Henne-Oped: It’s time to end ‘name and shame’ religious freedom policy
(RNS) — The once bipartisan international religious freedom community has tied itself so closely to the Trump administration that the movement’s credibility has been compromised. The incoming Biden administration need to focus on a broader strategy of religious engagement while the IRF community restores its ability to bring both sides together. By Peter Henne. 970 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: McCarrick scandal shows why popes, like John Paul, should not be canonized
(RNS) — Canonizing popes is a special problem because their canonizations are more about ecclesial politics than sanctity. It is a vote for continuity against change. Elevating a pope to sainthood makes it more difficult to question and reverse his policies. By Thomas Reese. 633 words. (category: k)
