NEWS STORY
RNS-Shriver-Obit: Christian ethicist Donald W. Shriver Jr., who called America to repent of racism, dies
(RNS) — The Rev. Donald W. Shriver Jr., acclaimed Christian ethicist, Presbyterian minister and former president of Union Theological Seminary, died July 28 at age 93. He wrote widely about the need for white Americans to face and repent of their racist past. By Yonat Shimron. 600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Vaccine-Exemptions: As vaccine mandates spread, employers and colleges seek advice on religious exemptions
(INTERFAITH AMERICA) — Many private businesses, hospital systems and universities that require COVID-19 vaccines also offer religious exemptions. But with no consistent method for navigating these requests — or defining the terms, for that matter — leaders are scrambling to respond. By Monique Parsons. 1,600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Abrams-Sermon: In sermon, Stacey Abrams supports Texas Democrats ‘in exile,’ preaches on voting rights
(RNS) — Former Georgia House minority leader Stacey Abrams used a virtual Washington, D.C., pulpit to preach a message supporting efforts to push back on voting rights restrictions. By Adelle M. Banks. 550 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-WillowCreek-Covid: Willow Creek pastor Dave Dummitt tests positive for COVID-19 on heels of Global Leadership Summit
(RNS) — The pastor of an influential Chicago megachurch has tested positive for COVID. David Dummitt, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, tested positive after attending a major leadership event at the church.By Bob Smietana. 350 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-America-Revival: America’s Revival features calls to prayer, Jesus trumps COVID claims and Mike Lindell conspiracy theories
(RNS) — A God and Country rally, headlined by COVID denying Tennessee preacher Greg Locke and election conspiracy theorist and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, drew more than 1,000 people to a convention center near Dallas. Flanked by giant American flags and standing at a pulpit modeled on a presidential podium, speakers called worshipers to spiritual renewal and political action, urging them to save America for God. By Bob Smietana. 1,000 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Faith-Letter: Faith groups accuse GOP senators of ‘apparent anti-Muslim animus’ for stalling Biden nominee
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A group of faith-based denominations and organizations are criticizing lawmakers for stalling votes on a high-level nomination by President Joe Biden, accusing Republican senators of “apparent anti-Muslim animus” for holding up the confirmation of Dilawar Syed, who would be the highest-ranking Muslim American in the executive branch. By Jack Jenkins. 556 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Burge-Oped: Abortion just isn’t the motivating issue for evangelicals it once was
(RNS) — When one takes a look at polling around abortion, it’s clear advocating for the unborn is not the motivating issue it appears to be. In fact, according to data from the Public Religion Research Institute, there’s ample reason to believe large numbers of white evangelicals don’t place a great deal of importance on abortion and don’t think it’s likely it will ever be outlawed in the United States. By Ryan Burge. 961 words. (category: k)