NEWS STORY
RNS-Juneteenth-QA: ‘We still have work to do’: How to understand the new Juneteenth holiday
(RNS) — Religion News Service talked to Theon Hill, an associate professor at Wheaton College who teaches rhetoric, race and social change in American culture and politics, about the new holiday and how holidays in general reflect our realities as well as our aspirations as a nation. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. By Paul O’Donnell. 1,271 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Democrats-Bishops: AOC, other Catholic Democrats urge bishops against ‘weaponization’ of Communion
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A group of 60 Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives, including Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, released a “statement of principles” Friday (June 18) calling on U.S. Catholic bishops to avoid “weaponizing” the Eucharist. By Jack Jenkins. 717 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Litha-Food: ‘An excuse for the feast’: Witches celebrate the summer solstice with cakes, mead — and salsa
(RNS) — The sabbats — the eight major holidays celebrated by Wiccans, witches and other pagans — are tied to the seasons, and their celebrations, like any holiday, often spotlight seasonal foods. Includes a spicy berry salsa recipe for the summer solstice on Sunday (June 20). By Emily McFarlan Miller. 1,200 words. Photos. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-USCCB-DayThree: After politically charged debate, bishops vote to draft controversial Communion document
(RNS) — Members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have voted to draft a document on the Eucharist, green lighting a controversial effort championed by conservative clerics who have called for denying Communion to President Joe Biden and other Catholic Democrats who support abortion rights. By Jack Jenkins. 1185 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Forbes-Poem: James Forbes’ ode to Juneteenth calls on Americans to embrace the promise of freedom
(RNS) — The pastor emeritus of the Riverside Church in New York City wrote a trenchant poem on the challenges that remain 156 years after Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver the message the Civil War was over and the enslaved were free. By Yonat Shimron. 900 words. (category: a)
NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Catholic-Immigration: Catholic groups from Mexico, Central America and US ask bishops for support in helping migrants
(RNS) — More than 100 Catholic organizations from Central America, Mexico and the United States are urging their respective bishops to “speak with one bold and united voice” to protect migrants and refugees seeking a better life. “We need your pastoral and moral leadership to meet this moment,” reads a June 17 letter signed by 162 Catholic groups. By Alejandra Molina. 450 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-USCCB-DayTwo: In lengthy debate, bishops wrangle over politics and ‘Eucharistic consistency’
(RNS) — U.S. Catholic bishops were locked in vigorous debate Thursday evening (June 17) over a politically charged proposal that would spur the creation of a document about the Eucharist that may speak to politicians who back abortion rights. By Jack Jenkins. 1046 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Lawmakers-Bishops: Catholic House Democrats prepare to send bishops ‘statement of principles’ on Communion vote
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A group of Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives is preparing a “statement of principles” to be released after a planned vote Thursday (June 17) by the American Catholic bishops on a proposal to draft a document on Communion that taps into ongoing debate over the Eucharist and politicians who back abortion rights. By Jack Jenkins. 258 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Smith-Oped: Michael W. Smith: ‘Six principles I learned from my dad’s life’
(RNS) — There’s an old saying that goes, “More is caught than taught.” I had a front-row seat to see how to live a life of integrity and honor by watching my dad’s life. I want to share six of those truths with you that I utilize every day. By Michael W. Smith. 1,115 words (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Merritt-Oped: Albert Mohler’s darkest hour
(RNS) — I assumed Mohler was watching the Republicanization of the Southern Baptist Convention, but it’s clear now how badly he misread the moment. He failed to reckon with the militant populism that has exploded in his denomination. It was plain to see, but somehow Mohler missed it. He couldn’t read the room — a room he’s owned for a quarter century. By Jonathan Merritt. 1,147 words. (category: k)
