NEWS STORY
RNS-Barr-Book: Beth Allison Barr wants Christians to know where ‘biblical womanhood’ comes from (it’s not the Bible)
(RNS) — The author and historian talked to Religion News Service about where the idea of biblical womanhood comes from, what she believes the Bible actually has to say about the role of women and what it will take for things to change. By Emily McFarlan Miller. 1,500 words. (category: a)
NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Sikh-Liaison: Sikh Coalition urges Biden to appoint Sikh American liaison in wake of Indianapolis FedEx shooting
(RNS) — In the wake of the FedEx shooting that left eight people dead, including four members of the Sikh community, the Sikh Coalition wants President Joe Biden’s administration to enact policies to address “long standing challenges” impacting Sikh Americans. By Alejandra Molina. 400 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Ramadan-Dates: Coachella Valley date farmers enjoy Ramadan boom
(RNS) — Ramadan is a blessing for the farmers of a California desert valley on the edge of the Salton Sea. When Muslims in America and around the world break their fast this Ramadan, many reach for dates grown in California’s Coachella Valley, where 15% of the global date crop is grown. The valley’s farmers see a sharp spike in sales during the month of Ramadan and the preceding weeks. By Joseph Hammond. 750 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Scubi-Jew: Scuba diving rabbi adopts the ocean as his part of the world to repair
(RNS) — In 2009 Eckerd College Rabbi Ed Rosenthal founded “Scubi Jew,” an ocean restoration initiative that now has outposts at six college campuses across Florida and certifies 50 student divers, Jewish and non-Jewish, each year to focus attention on the health of the world’s waters. Rosenthal has since founded Tikkun HaYam, which he says is the first Jewish marine conservation organization in the world. By Christine Luby. 960 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Stewart-Oped: Of terror and testimonies: Living through the Derek Chauvin trial
(RNS) — I let myself imagine one day I might tell my son, “Look!” and on the other side there will not be dead Black bodies. There will not be Black girls screaming and Black men testifying and Black women weeping and alive Black boys trembling and shaking. I imagine we will not have to be witnesses to death but witnesses to life, to possibilities, to joy. By Danté Stewart. 1300 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Hammerman-Oped: Bystanders in a digital age: The heroes of the Derek Chauvin trial
(RNS) — Recent events have demonstrated idleness is, in many ways, no longer an option now that most onlookers carry in their pockets small, handheld instant-justice machines that can make star witnesses out of 9-year-olds. Those bystanders that day in Minneapolis, may not have been able to save George Floyd, but through their testimony, they may save the integrity of the American justice system. By Joshua Hammerman. 1,011 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Randall-Oped: The American Rescue Plan is welcome relief for faith communities
(RNS) — While faith communities often serve as first responders to the needs of people in their communities, it is simply impossible for houses of worship or social service agencies to shore up and sustain everyone in our communities. Our faith convinces us that we have a moral imperative to care for all of those left behind in this crisis. We need the support of our government, a government that works for all the people. By Diane Randall. 595 words. (category: k)