NEWS STORY
RNS-Politics-Science: Republicans and Democrats switch sides on religion vs. science
(RNS) — Given the increasing overlap between the GOP and white evangelicals, it’s reasonable to assume that evangelicals’ religious beliefs are driving Republicans’ statistical resistance, as well. But politicization of religion and science has much to do with the trend as the rise of the religious right. By Carol Kuruvilla. 1,450 words. (category: c)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Congregational-Singing: Is it safe to sing at church yet? Depends who you ask.
(RNS) — As some congregants remove masks and start singing again, the Hymn Society’s Center for Congregational Song has declared in its own latest guidance: “We do not currently recommend that congregations sing.” A mix of musical expression is likely to continue across the country for a while as congregations navigate the “new normal” of the continuing pandemic with some people fully vaccinated and some not. By Adelle M. Banks. 750 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Floyd-Anniversary: One year after George Floyd’s murder, faith leaders continue their call for racial reckoning
(RNS) — One year ago, the death of George Floyd under the knee of a police offer galvanized the nation — and eventually much of the world — into months of historic protests against police brutality and systemic racism and in support of Black lives. Clergy were often front and center in these protests and their clarion call not only to politicians but also to religious leaders sparked a racial reckoning within churches, synagogues and mosques. On the anniversary of his death, these leaders reflect on how much has changed — and how much there is still do to. By RNS Staff. 1,500 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Pagitt-Oped: George Floyd anniversary is a chance for white evangelicals to stand up for Black lives
(RNS) — White evangelicals have a history of turning away from racial and economic justice issues. What little taste for social justice and religious community we had has been boiled away by a right-wing agenda. It’s high time for white evangelicals to break with history and stand against racial injustice. By Doug Pagitt. 950 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Henry-Oped: How George Floyd finally made us see the link between systemic racism and colonialism
(RNS) — Today’s protesters are naming the occupation of Palestine by the Israeli state as a historical instance of violence, similar to Britain’s expanding across the Atlantic and America’s expanding across the North American continent. It’s a connection Black radicals have been making since the mid-1960s. By Andre Henry. 687 words. (category: k)