NEWS STORY
RNS-Switchfoot-LGBTQ: Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman posts video supporting LGBTQ ‘rights and freedoms’
(RNS) — The Grammy-winning band Switchfoot, known for its Christian-adjacent rock music, released a TikTok video with a positive message toward the LGBTQ community on Friday, Sept. 17. The video comes in response to queer Christian artist Semler, who posted a video last week seeking clarity on the band’s stance toward LGBTQ inclusion. By Kathryn Post. 600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Airbnb-Churches: From luxury stays to ‘champing’ in the sanctuary, churches adopt pandemic-era Airbnb models
(RNS) — Throughout the pandemic, churches in the U.S. and U.K. have been offering full-service kitchen rentals, indoor camping experiences and luxury getaways, jacuzzi included. These alternate Airbnb models are helping churches maximize their sacred space while occasionally making a profit. By Kathryn Post. 1,000 words. (category: i)
NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Vaccines-Vatican: Vatican City enforces vaccine, covid-19 test mandates
(RNS) – Starting October 1, people wishing to enter Vatican City will have to present a certification proving they have received the vaccine, recovered from Covid-19 or tested negative for the virus within 72 hours. By Claire Giangravè. 500 words. (category i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Synodality-Women: Pope Francis wants to break the wheel of power in the church, but for women it might not be enough
(RNS) – In Pope Francis’ vision for the future of the Catholic Church, bishops will no longer make decisions alone but in dialogue and discernment with the faithful in their community. The two-year synodal process that will begin in October promises to flip the power structures in the church, but when it comes to women it might not be enough. By Claire Giangravè. 1,000 words. (category i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-McDowell-Apology: Josh McDowell tells conference that Black and minority families don’t value hard work and education
(RNS) — A popular Christian author apologized Sunday (Sept. 19) after his comments criticizing black and minority families were posted on social media. During a speech to a national gathering of Christian counselors, speaker Josh McDowell denounced critical race theory and blamed Black and minority families for inequality in America, saying they don’t value hard work or education. By Bob Smietana. 450 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Shafran-Oped: Sukkot is the Jewish holiday that teaches us the joys of doing without
(RNS) — What the sukkah allows those within it to perceive, if they are honest enough to not push the thought away, is that our homes and possessions are not what matter in our lives — it is not, as the old, crass bumper sticker has it, that “the one who dies with the most toys wins.” When Jews sit in their primitive houses for the week of Sukkot, they come to know that accumulation of stuff is folly. What we own does not define us. We will not take it with us. By Avi Shafran. 680 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: Should Pope Francis get a third COVID-19 vaccine shot?
(RNS) — When it comes to the question of Pope Francis getting a third COVID-19 vaccine shot, the Vatican is caught between a rock and a hard place. To talk about giving people in rich countries a third shot while most people in poor countries have not received their first appears to be a violation of the church’s teaching on solidarity and social justice. On the other hand, the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, has recommended those who are elderly and immunocompromised get a third jab. By Thomas Reese. 618 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Silk-Oped: Why Jonah is a prophet for our time
(RNS) — Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, took place last Thursday, giving Jews the annual opportunity to think about the prophet Jonah. The book’s hopeful lesson is that God manages to make good things happen via this wrathful, self-exculpatory narcissist. Next year we’ll consider what the great storm and the east wind, which he causes God to create, have to teach us about anthropogenic climate change. See you then, Jonah. By Mark Silk. 745 words. (category: k)
