NEWS BRIEF
RNS-AHMED-OSCAR: Riz Ahmed First Muslim Nominated For Best Oscar
(RNS) — Riz Ahmed has made Academy Awards history by becoming the first Muslim nominated for a Best Actor award. The British-Pakistani actor received the nomination for his role in the film “Sound of Metal” in which he plays a drummer in a heavy metal rock band struggling with hearing loss. By Joseph Hammond. 338 words. (category: a)
NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Pastor-Resigns: Southern Baptist pastor, former abuser resigns after church ousted from denomination
(RNS) — A pastor of a Tennessee church recently removed from the Southern Baptist Convention for his history as a sex offender has resigned from the congregation. By Adelle M. Banks. 300 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-LGBTQ-Blessings: Pope Francis shuts down proposals to bless same-sex couples
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a new document sure to disappoint those who thought Pope Francis represented a softening toward LGBTQ marriages within the church, the Vatican rejected proposals that would allow priests to bless LGBTQ unions, saying ‘God cannot bless sin.’ By Claire Giangravé. 708 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Hijab-Divisiveness: Across Africa, hijab in schools divides Christians and Muslims
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — From simple scarves known as “khimaars” to head-to-toe cloaks known as abayas or burqas, religious veils are an act of worship or a statement of Muslim faith. Recently, the religious garments have triggered bitter fights between Christians and Muslims. By Fredrick Nzwili. 750 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Franklin-Son: Gospel performer Kirk Franklin apologizes after son releases obscenity-laced audio
(RNS) — Gospel entertainer Kirk Franklin has posted an online apology after one of his sons released a recording of his father using obscenity-laced language. “For many years, we have had a toxic relationship with him as a family,” Franklin said of Kerrion Franklin. By Adelle M. Banks. 550 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Mwaura-Oped: Tim Keller’s new book on resurrection is about race, justice and the rest of us
(RNS)— “Hope in Times of Fear” is not about Keller’s journey with pancreatic cancer, though he said he is thinking seriouly about the last chapter in his life. During the writing process, Keller said, “the only way I could face the future is because I believed in the resurrection.” By Maina Mwaura. 1,230 words (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Merritt-Oped: Eugene Peterson authorized biography backs up that ‘yes’ on LGBTQ inclusion
(RNS) — Drawing on never-before-published letters, journals and exclusive interviews, Winn Collier’s “A Burning in My Bones” reveals while Peterson long wrestled with the Bible’s teachings on homosexuality, he at last embraced LGBTQ inclusion on the grounds of Christian love. 1,600 words. By Jonathan Merritt. (category: k)