NEWS STORY
RNS-Falwell-Suit: Liberty University sues former President Jerry Falwell Jr. for $10 million, citing conspiracy, breach of contract
(RNS) — Liberty University, one of the largest Christian schools in the U.S., is suing former president Jerry Falwell Jr., alleging he misled the school’s board and breached his contract. The suit claims Falwell, a major Trump supporter, and his wife were involved in an inappropriate relationship with a young man who was a business partner — while at the same time renegotiating his contract in case he got fired. By Bob Smietana. 1500 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Israel-Mosque: Israel criticized for silencing call to prayer from Al-Aqsa Mosque
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — Israeli police broke locks and cut the electric lines to the loudspeakers at four minarets in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque Tuesday (April 13), silencing evening calls to prayer the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which coincided with the Israeli national remembrance for its fallen soldiers at the nearby Western Wall. By Daoud Kuttab. 614 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Ramsey-Suit: Former employee sues Dave Ramsey’s company for alleged religious discrimination, ‘cult-like’ atmosphere
(RNS) — A former employee is suing Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey, claiming he was fired for opposing Ramsey’s religious views on COVID-19. He also alleges company employees are required to show ‘cult-like’ devotion to Ramsey, whose Financial Peace University classes are taught at churches nationwide. By Bob Smietana. 700 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Faith-Filibuster: From the filibuster to DC statehood, clergy rally around a growing voting rights agenda
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Galvanized by recent laws that tighten voting access, a loose coalition of religious leaders led by Black clergy is rallying behind an agenda that is focused on voting rights but encompasses several issues, from ending the U.S. Senate filibuster to statehood for Washington, D.C., and a broad array of racial justice and poverty concerns. By Jack Jenkins. 1,384 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Barna-Study: African Americans attend church, Bible study more than others, but Black ‘nones’ increasing
(RNS) — Black adults attend church and participate in Bible studies more than other U.S. adults, but younger Black Americans are less likely to identify with the Christian faith, a new Barna Group report shows. By Adelle M. Banks. 400 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Prison-Ministries: Lecrae, Bieber appear at prison events as ministries return to correctional facilities
(RNS) — Some prisons, which had limited ministry events during the COVID-19 pandemic, have begun permitting more in-person religious activities. That comes as Prison Fellowship — the largest U.S. nonprofit serving incarcerated people, formerly incarcerated people and their families — also celebrates Second Chance Month with a number of virtual events this April. By Emily McFarlan Miller, Maina Mwaura, Adelle M. Banks. 800 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Navalny-Quran: Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Demands Access to a Quran In Prison
(RNS) – Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is threatening to sue Russian authorities over access to Islam’s holy book. Navalny, a Christian, hoped to study the book while in prison on a two and half year sentence which human rights groups have labeled unjust. By. Joseph Hammond. 523 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Multiracial- Study: Multiracial Methodist churches draw and keep more people than their white counterparts
(RNS) — A new study published in the academic journal Social Forces found racial diversity inside a church is associated with higher average attendance, especially when the church is in a white neighborhood. The longitudinal study examined data from over 20,000 United Methodist congregations between 1990 and 2010. By Yonat Shimron 850 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Ackerman-Oped: Christians should change how they talk about people with a criminal record
(RNS) — Convict and offender clearly tie someone to the worst thing they’ve ever done. The word inmate is generally paired with a prison ID on a uniform (“inmate 12345”), inevitably reducing the one wearing it to a number. Even to call someone an addict is to verbally equate the person with the habit. By James Ackerman. 816 words. (category: k)