NEWS STORY
RNS-Deitrick-Haddon: Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon commemorates pandemic’s ‘year of loss’ in new song
(RNS) — Gospel singer and pastor Deitrick Haddon has lost family and church members to COVID-19, along with many other Americans. But unlike most others, the star of the “Preachers of L.A.” and “Fix My Choir” reality shows has expressed his grief through the lyrics of a song: “Sick World.” By Adelle M. Banks. 1,100 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Gallup-Membership: Fewer than half of Americans belong to a church or other house of worship
(RNS) — For the first time since the 1930s, less than half of Americans say they belong to a church, mosque or synagogue. It’s another sign that while belief in God persists, participation in organized religion is in decline. By Bob Smietana. 600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Kirk-Curricula: Charlie Kirk’s group plans new ‘America first’ education curricula
(RNS) — Turning Point USA, an advocacy organization founded by conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, has unveiled a new education initiative that promises an “America-first education” for educators and homeschool parents. By Jack Jenkins. 396 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Sarah-Obama: Barack Obama’s beloved step-grandmother, a Muslim and philanthropist, dies in Kenya at 99
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Sarah Onyango Obama, the step-grandmother of former U.S. President Barack Obama, died Monday (March 29) at the age of 99, only 23 days away from her 100th birthday. The family matriarch and celebrated philanthropist was a Muslim but open to all faiths, religious leaders here have said. By Fredrick Nzwili. 568 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-LA-Buddhist: Los Angeles Buddhist temple seeks to remain a welcoming space after it was vandalized
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A month after fire and vandalism struck Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, a shattered window and toppled grass lanterns have been fixed. Melted pillars will be replaced. Added security measures will also be taken. But as leaders of the temple seek to make their place of worship space safer, the Rev. Noriaki Ito said they will ensure not to alienate the community as they work to amp up its security. By Alejandra Molina. 860 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-AACC-Rallies: Christian-led rallies across the country take a stand for Asian American lives amid rising racism
CHICAGO (RNS) — The Asian American Christian Collaborative organized 14 events Sunday (March 28) across the country as part of the National Rally for AAPI Lives and Dignity. AACC estimated about 5,000 people altogether attended Sunday’s rallies in Atlanta; Austin; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Houston; Los Angeles; Ellicott City, Maryland; Minneapolis; New York City; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; as well as a virtual event based in Seattle. By Emily McFarlan Miller, Alejandra Molina and Roxanne Stone. 1,200 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Women-Preachers: Like Beth Moore, many women preachers have had to break free to follow God’s call
(RNS) — Bible teacher and best-selling author Beth Moore’s departure from the Southern Baptist Convention was no surprise to women preachers who have been inspire by her work for years. To follow God’s call, they do had to leave behind churches they loved. By Bob Smietana. 1,700 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Panera-Pagan: Pagan sues Panera Bread Company alleging religious discrimination
(RNS) — A Pennsylvania woman filed a lawsuit Wednesday (March 24) against Panera Bread Company, alleging that she was discriminated against and fired due to her pagan beliefs. Among Tammy McCoy’s complaints are that her hours were cut, and when she asked why, she was told that she “needed to find God” before returning to her “previous schedule.” By Heather Greene. 750 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-TerKeurst-Oped: You deserve to stop suffering: After a year like 2020, it’s finally time to address those relational issues
(RNS) — Issues and dysfunctions we were once able to excuse away or cover up with busyness have become painfully obvious. COVID restrictions had us quarantined with some people and isolated from many others. This strange dynamic has forced us to see the state of our hearts and our relationships. Of course, being aware of our dysfunctions doesn’t always equal a willingness to address them. By Lysa TerKeurst. 1,354 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Weisler-Oped: In a Ukrainian librarian’s matzo, a story of Passover freedom
(RNS) — This week, millions of Jews continue to celebrate Passover, the eight-day festival of freedom. Still under COVID-19 restrictions in many places, we’ll try to balance safety and tradition and imbue the holiday with new meaning by pushing the limits — and exploring the possibilities — of our newfound freedom: the slow emergence from the pandemic. By Alex Weisler. 898 words. (category: k)